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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Steve O'Meara has been called "the best visual planetary observer of modern times." The first to spot Comet Halley on its return in 1985, the first to determine the rotation period of Uranus, he now turns his amazing visual skills to the deep sky.
Charles Messier was one of the best comet hunters of the 1700s, with 12 comet discoveries to his credit. He was frustrated because he kept wasting time looking at fuzzy objects that turned out not to be comets. The list he kept and published of "things that aren't comets" turned out to be his ticket to immortality.
Amateur astronomers of all ages enjoy tackling the Messier catalogue members, because they represent a good sampling of what's "out there", and because finding them helps to hone observing skills. In a sense, the Messier objects are the testing grounds for budding sky watchers.
O'Meara's guide is unique in conveying his approach to observing: "It's an approach based on creative perception and on using the imagination to see patterns and shapes in the subjects seen through the eyepiece. It involves using not just your eye but also your mind's eye to associate those patterns and shapes with things that are familiar with you, to create pictures and even stories." With O'Meara as your docent, you will truly appreciate the art of the universe. --Mary Ellen Curtin, Amazon.com --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.
Review
'… there is no better guide than Stephen O'Meara's book. For 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 --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.
'... 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 --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The book starts with the history of Charles Messier and his "Embarassing Objects", which is nicely written and easy to read. After tips on observing the Messier Objects, each of the 110 are described in detail including Photos, Star Charts to find them and what you can expect to see. I would recommend this book to anyone with a telescope!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is an excellent book for those interested in seeing how the Messier objects look under optimum sky conditions using a quality telescope of modest aperture. Superbly written and a delight to read, this is a book that I continually enjoy and is most definitely a keeper. I have other books that detail the Messier objects but this is the one I always turn to. I have no association with the author but I would like to thank him for a great book that has literally changed my approach to visual astronomy for the better.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a fantastic book for the beginner who needs an introduction to the deep sky. However it's real strength is in encouraging seasoned observers, who may have seen these objects many times, to revisit them in order to attempt to spot the details that the eagle eyed author has seen. He also encourages a relaxed and imaginative approach to observing which I will certainly attempt to adopt in the future. In summary, one of the best books of it's type I have ever read. Buy this book!!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Frustrating
Whilst this book has many positive aspects, it is not a reliable guide or even "companion" for the deep sky observer seeking guidance on how to hunt down some of these elusive... Read more
Published 3 months ago by A Customer
Messier
I was about 30 messiers in when I got this book for Christmas. The intro is very interesting, as are the descriptions of each object. Read more
Published 16 months ago by J. Livsey
An enviably delicious book
I love this book but it makes me totally jealous of the deep sky conditions that O'Meara had available to him when observing the objects for his descriptions. Read more
Published on 23 Mar 2009 by P. Mayhew
Messier objects review
If you have recently purchased a "go to" telescope, then you need some guidance for the nicest objects to look at. Read more
Published on 29 July 2002 by Prof G. J. Parker
It's a great book for advanced observers.
Being a beginning observer, i found the observations in the book rather difficult to reproduce. I expect that i will appreciate the book more after a lot of practice and patience. Read more
Published on 5 Jun 2001 by de_appeltjes@hetnet.nl
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