This article details an "autumn mini-Messier marathon," an observational challenge focusing on 20 specific deep-sky objects from Charles Messier's catalog. The challenge is designed for completion ...

Every spring, amateur astronomers around the world take on the challenge of trying to observe all 110 objects in Charles Messier's storied catalog of deep-sky objects in a single night. Because of the ...

French astronomer Charles Messier's list of the best and brightest deep sky objects is popular with skywatchers of all experience levels. During the new moon period in early spring each year, it's ...

Anyone spotting a globular star cluster like M13 for the first time through an amateur telescope will recognize a fascinating white spot, which at first glance could also be a comet without a ...