Deep-Sky Companions: The Messier Objects by Stephen James O'meara

Deep-Sky Companions: The Messier Objects by Stephen James O'meara

The 110 galaxies, star clusters and nebulae catalogued by the comet hunter Charles Messier in the late 1700s are still the most widely observed celestial wonders in the heavens. They are the favourite targets of amateur astronomers, with such rich variety and detail that they never cease to fascinate. This book provides new and experienced observers with a fresh perspective on the Messier objects. Stephen James O'Meara has prepared a visual feast for the observer. Using the finest optical telescopes available for amateur work, superior eyepieces and the darkest site on Earth, he describes and sketches the view from the telescope as never before. There are new drawings, improved finder charts, and new astronomical data on each object, including findings from the Hubble Space Telescope. This is truly the Messier Guide for the modern age.

'… there is no better guide than Stephen O'Meara's bookFor each object photograph, a finder chart, basic data and a quote from Messier's accounts are provided, with a discussion of what is seen through small telescopes, and some history of telescopic ideas. This is not a treatise on the astrophysics of Messier object, but an observer's guide, a worthy and superior successor to previous attempts'. Stephen P. Maran, Nature
'... impressive ... contains careful descriptions of each object, finder maps, telescopic drawings, and photographs. The text is spirited and informed, and the result is a must-have on the bookshelf of deep-sky enthusiasts.' Astronomy Magazine
'A great value for money book which will delight any keen deep space watcher.' Gnomon
'The Messier Objects is packed with useful advice, historical facts, and interesting anecdotes.' Robert Argyle, The Observatory
' … this is an excellent book and it deserves a place on the bookshelf of both the novice and experienced amateur astronomer.' The Journal of the British Astronomical Association
'Steve O'Meara says the purpose of the book is to provide new and experienced observers with a fresh perspective on the Messier objects. He has succeeded brilliantly.' Astronomy & Space
' … to be recommended to any serious backyard astronomer.' A. D. Andrews, Irish Astronomical Journal
'All in all, the book lives up to the author's claim about offering a new perspective and is thoroughly up to date and very readable book on the subject. I feel that it offers all deep sky observers something. Even if you have seen all the Messier Objects - and I suspect most of us take them rather for granted - it will inspire you to go out and have another look at them (it has me). Highly recommended.' Faith Jordan, Webb Society Quarterly Journal
'The book is well printed on heavy paper and both drawings and most of the photographs appear to have reproduced well. … I think this is an excellent book and a worthy replacement for The Messier Album and deserves a place on the bookshelf of both the novice and experienced amateur astronomer.' Owen Brazell, Webb Society Quarterly Journal
'I thoroughly enjoyed this book.' Ronald Morales, Webb Society Quarterly Journal

Stephen James O'Meara is well recognized among the astronomical community for his engaging and informative writing style, as well as his amazing skills as a visual observer. He is the author of several highly acclaimed publications, including those in the famed Deep-Sky Companions series. Before joining Astronomy magazine as a contributing editor and Secret Sky columnist, O'Meara spent much of his early career on the editorial staff of Sky and Telescope. He was the first person to see Halley's Comet on its return in 1985 and the first to visually determine Uranus' rotation period. His visual observation of the mystery spokes in Saturn's B-ring before spacecraft observed them was one of his most notable achievements. O'Meara has received the coveted Lone Stargazer Award, the Omega Centauri Award, and the Caroline Herschel Award, among other honors.

The International Astronomical Union named asteroid 3637 O'Meara in his honor. He spends his free time documenting volcano eruptions around the world. He works with National Geographic Digital Motion as a contract videographer and the National Geographic Picture Collection as a contract photographer.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780521553322
ISBN 10	0521553326
Title	Deep-Sky Companions: The Messier Objects
Author	Stephen James O'meara
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
Year published	1998-12-28
Number of pages	324
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.