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Title: The Year-Round Messier Marathon Field Guide: With Complete Maps, Charts and Tips to Guide You to Enjoying the Most Famous List of Deep-Sky Objects by H. C. Pennington ISBN: 0-943396-54-9 Publisher: Willmann-Bell Pub. Date: January, 1998 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 5 (8 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Should become a classic!!!
Comment: Using this book for over two years, I've found all the Messiers and learnt a whole lot from this book. The book starts off with briefly introducing the pre-requisites to stargazing, and the geometric estimation method for locating the deep-sky using a Telrad. The book also tells the story of Charles Messier, and the origins of the Messier Marathon. He then takes the reader on a tour of all the Messier objects. Since this book has its focus on the Messier Marathon, the sequence of the objects is based on his observing sequence during the Marathon. However, as Harvard points out, this book does not necessarily have to be used during a Marathon and can be used any time to locate any of the Messier objects. The finder charts proved to be extremely useful, and I found this book becoming the book I refer to the most. The advantage is, I don't have to flip through other star maps looking for the Messier objects I'd like to observe. Its all included in this book. Therefore, I used this book more than my star atlas while observing the Messier objects. There is a little bit of inaccuracy with some of the charts. For example, in the chart for finding M75, I found I had to extend a little further than the distance from the mouth of the teapot to the lower corner of its handle away from tau Sag. to get to M75. Perhaps it was my problem of not using a powered finder (only the Telrad), but I had to try 5 times before I was compelled to move my scope little further east and north when the dim glow of M75 slid into view. This situation is actually clearly demonstrated in any star atlas, M75 is definitely a little further than the estimate.(I did very careful measurements on a printout of a few star chart program and Harvard's estimation method got to 0.6 to 1 degree from M75 depending on the angle deviation from the gamma Sag. - tau Sag. line, so I'm guessing some people may have troubles) Nevertheless, this is a VERY minor complaint for Harvard's method is based on estimation. Getting as near to the object as possible with the simplest method is what matters. My suggestion to any similar situation is to use a star atlas beside this book too to help with objects that don't seem to show up on first or second attempt. Furthermore, if the object is not in view, do scan around a little (which Harvard did mention). In a real Messier Marathon, don't panic (as I did =) and keep in mind that the less detailed charts are mainly for estimation. Overall, an exceptional book, beautifully written and educating. A book that deserves to be on the bookshelves of all amateur astronomers!
Rating: 5
Summary: A must-have for serious Messier searchers.
Comment: This is an extremely helpful book. I rate it among the very best for helping in your Messier Object search: At the April 2000 Messier marathon, I found 75 objects, and was on schedule to find 105, but I grew too tired to continue. On a recent star party in September, 2000, I found 45 objects before midnight, thanks largely to this book. Buy it while you still can!
Rating: 5
Summary: The Guide for finding the Messier Objects
Comment: After trying run my first Messier marathon with charts that I had prepared myself, I wish I had had this book with me that night. I would have seen alot more. Using this book, I have able to locate many objects that I had not been able to find before with certainty.
This book is excellent resource that I now take along with my telescope to every star party. The charts and object sketches are well oriented to the practicing amateur astronomer. Also covered are telescope calibration, observing techniques, and site selection. The only drawback to this book that I have found so far has been that it is not printed on waterproof paper. So, I had to order another copy to cut up and laminate.
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Title: The Observing Guide to the Messier Marathon : A Handbook and Atlas by Don Machholz ISBN: 0521803861 Publisher: Cambridge University Press Pub. Date: 10 October, 2002 List Price(USD): $28.00 |
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Title: Deep Sky Companions : The Messier Objects by Stephen James O'Meara ISBN: 0521553326 Publisher: Cambridge University Press Pub. Date: July, 2000 List Price(USD): $40.00 |
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Title: Sky Atlas 2000.0, 2nd Deluxe Edition by Wil Tirion, Roger W. Sinnott ISBN: 0521627621 Publisher: Cambridge University Press Pub. Date: 13 November, 1998 List Price(USD): $50.00 |
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Title: The Observer's Sky Atlas: With 50 Star Charts Covering the Entire Sky by Erich Karkoschka ISBN: 0387986065 Publisher: Springer Verlag Pub. Date: May, 1999 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: The NexStar User's Guide by Michael W. Swanson ISBN: 1852337141 Publisher: Springer Verlag Pub. Date: February, 2004 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
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