Messier Catalog

During the years from 1758 to 1782 Charles Messier, a French astronomer (1730 - 1817), compiled a list of approximately 100 diffuse objects that were difficult to distinguish from comets through the telescopes of the day. Discovering comets was the way to make a name for yourself in astronomy in the 18th century -- Messier's aim was to catalog the objects that were often mistaken for comets.

 

Fortunately for us, the Messier Catalog became well known for a much higher purpose, as a collection of the most beautiful objects in the sky including nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies. It was one of the first major milestones in the history of the discovery of Deep Sky objects, as it was the first more comprehensive and more reliable list: Only four objects were initially missing because of data reduction errors which were figured out later. Today's versions of the catalog also include later additions of objects observed by Charles Messier and his collegial friend, Pierre Méchain that were not included in his original list. The study of these objects by astronomers has led, and continues to lead, to important, incredible discoveries such as the life cycles of stars, the reality of galaxies as separate 'island universes,' and the possible age of the universe. There are currently 110 objects listed in the catalog. (M1-M110) You can find a complete list with photograhs here. Click on the photographs for detailed information and larger photos:

 

http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu/messier/data2.html

 

 

Messier used quite a few different types of teloscopes in his lifetime to catalog Deep Space objects including:

1. Ordinary refractor of 25 foot FL, Mag. 138x
2. Achromatic refractor, 10.5 foot FL, owned by M. de Courtanvaux, Mag. 120x
3. Achromatic refractor, 3.25 foot FL (Dollond), owned by Duc de Chaulnes, Mag. 120x
4. Ordinary refractor of 23 foot FL, Mag. 102x
5. Ordinary refractor of 30 foot FL, owned by M. Baudouin, Mag. 117x
6. Campani refractor, owned by M. Maraldi, Mag. 64x
7. Gregorian reflector ('Short') 6 feet FL, owned by M. Lemonnier, Mag. 110x
8. Gregorian reflector 30 feet FL, 6 inch aperture, Mag. 104x
9. Newtonian reflector 4.5 foot FL, Mag. 60x
10. Refractor 1 foot FL, 3-inch aperture, owned by M. de Saron, Mag. 44x
11. Refractor 19 foot FL, of the Paris Observatory, Mag. 76x

We will be learning more about the different types of teloscopes as the year progresses.