The Messier Objects

Hi
Just been reading through my recently arrived copy of The Messier Objects by Stephen James O'Meara. Its a really good introduction to observing these objects and an excellent way of planning a nights observing in advance. All the objects are described in detail along with drawings as seen through a quality 4" refractor.
Highly recommended.

I'll second that John! All his books are excellent and the enthuasism O'Meara has for his hobby really shines through.

I'll second (third?) the two Johns' recommendations, but I must say that my favorite of O'Meara's is his "Hidden Treasures". I think it covers around 110 targets just like his Messier and Caldwell books, but he goes into a lot more detail on each one, making for a much thicker (and more involving) book.

He also wrote a Herschel 400 guide, but I don't have that one. (I don't have his Caldwell book either, because I assume it overlaps in targets with Messier. Can anyone confirm/deny that?)

-- Jeff.

Someone put me onto this site.

www.stargazing.net/chrisbrankin/sketches/Messier/index.html

Its basically sketches of Messier objects upto 109.

M27 is REALLY something i want to see. Think i may need more apeture then 3.5 though.

hmm. ive heard some really good things about this book - and having a small scope makes it doubly interesting. i might have to look into it.

Jovian.................if you have a small scope (60-90mm) check out "Turn Left At Orion".