Synopses & Reviews
The Messier Catalogue is a list of one hundred and ten galaxies, star clusters and nebulae, and includes many of the brightest and best-known objects in the sky. Amateur astronomers who find all the objects on the list in one night have successfully completed the Messier Marathon. The Observing Guide to the Messier Marathon contains over 90 easy-to-use star maps to guide the observer from one object to the next, and provides tips for a successful night of observing. Don Machholz also tells the story of the eighteenth-century astronomer, Charles Messier, and how he came to compile his extensive catalogue. His complete guide to the Messier Marathon will help the amateur astronomer to observe the Messier Objects throughout the year, using a small telescope or even a pair of binoculars. Don Machholz is an engineer in Auburn, California. Interested in astronomy since childhood, he is a renowned comet hunter, having discovered nine comets that bear his name. He writes articles for local California newspapers and radio stations for special astronomical events. Between 1988 and 2000, Don Machholz was the Comets Recorder for the Association of Lunar and Planetary Recorders.
Review
"...accessible...comprehensive but largely jargon-free...would be a welcome addition to any library supporting amateur or undergraduate astronomers." Hilary Leon, DePaul University Libraries"Maschholz offers an excellent historical reference on the celestial objects that Charles Messier feared could be mistaken for comets about 200 yearsago. Recommended." Choice"An excellent field reference..." Stardust
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 93-95) and index.
About the Author
Don Machholz is an amateur astronomer and keen writer, living in California. This is his fourth astronomy book.
Table of Contents
Introduction; Part I. Handbook: 1. Charles Messier; 2. The Messier Catalogue; 3. The Messier Marathon; 4. Other Marathons; Glossary, Greek alphabet and further reading; Part II. Atlas.