Deep-sky objects

Re: trouble locating messier objects

DaveMitsky — Sat, 16 May 2009 04:28:07 GMT

All of the Messier objects are visible through a 4.5" reflector but some of them, M74 in particular, will require very dark skies to be seen. OTOH, some (M11, M13, M31, M42, M44, and M45, for example) will be rather easy targets.

http://messier.obspm.fr/objects.html#nebula

http://www.astro-tom.com/messier/messier_files/observing_tips.htm

Sketches are more representative of what you'll actually see through an eyepiece than astrophotographs/images.

http://jeff.medkeff.com/astro/messier_observing/

http://www.perezmedia.net/beltofvenus/archives/000416.html

http://www.regulusastro.com/regulus/sketches/

Dave Mitsky

trouble locating messier objects

ghostnight0283 — Sat, 16 May 2009 03:54:50 GMT

I have a 4.5'' reflector having sum fun obsearving planets and the moon especially, But now ive sighted in on a new project of finding messier objects. One im not exactly sure if im looking in the correct position( not sure how to read space directions with my equatorial mount). Two I have a 9mm and 25mm eyepieces oh yeah focial 1000 f/8.8 am i equiped at all to see these objects up to a reasonable magnitude. And if any one could tell me what these objects may look like thru my scope( i may not know what to look for, or mayb passing my target every night and just not know it) THANX to anyone that can contribute