Messier-Catalogue-BRT-V1-0

The Messier Catalogue

The stunning world of Messier objects

seen with the 200mm-tele-lense

of the Bradford Robotic Telescope

by

Michael Hauss

Liederbach am Taunus / Germany

Version 1.0.0 (Date: 14.11.2010)

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Chapter 1

Introduction

The Messier Catalogue is probably the most famous astronomical catalogue, because it lists 110 of themost important bright deep sky objects. Every amateur astronomer begins its deep sky activities byobserving Messier objects! Even today I like to look up a bright Messier object at the end of a longobserving night!

It takes a little while to observe all of the 110 Messier objects (I am not talking about a Messiermarathon...). After I managed to initially take pictures of every Messer object, I published the MessierCatalogue seen with my own 8”-Schmidt-Cassegrain-Telescope in www.doctus.de.

However, by taking pictures only with tele lenses I recognized, that many of the Messier objects arestill looking very interesting! Some of them are so extended (e.g. M 7, M 31), that it is necessary to usea tele lense to capture it. Some of them are placed in stunning areas of the milky way und some of themare part of galaxie groups and clusters.

Because of this I decided, to complile a Messier Catalogue composed of pictures taken with a 200mm-tele-lense. To benefit from very good observing conditions I used the 200mm-tele-lense of the Brad-ford Robotic Telescope for this project. The current version of this compilation is version 1.0.0 (Date:14.11.2010).

Please feel free to contact the author of this compilation via the contact formula in the internet on thehomepage of the auther: http://www.michaelhauss.de.tl/Kontakt.htm.

The basic parameters of the Messier objects are taken from ”The NGC/IC Project”, a fantasticreference to the Messier and NGC objects (see http://www.ngcicproject.org)!

Copyright notes: Images taken with the Bradford Robotic Telescope Project are the property of theBradford Robotic Telescope Project. Copyright remains with the Bradford Robotic Telescope Project.Anyone may re-publish Bradford Robotic Telescope images on other web sites or in print providing thata reasonable copyright notice attributing the image to the Bradford Robotic Telescope is on the imageor very close to it.

This compliation is dedicated to the great team of the Bradford Robotic Telescope. Without the workof this team, who kept the telescope working over the long time necessary to get all the picuters, thisMessier Catalogue would not exist! Thank you very much for this great work!

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4 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

Chapter 2

Messier Object List

In this chapter the complete Messier-Catalogue with its 110 objects is presented. The properties of eachMessier object are listed and at least one picture taken with a 200mm-tele-lense is shown.

2.1 Supernova Remnant M 1 (Crab Nebula)

The Messier object M 1 is a supernova remnant in the constellation Taurus. The supernova of type IIitself was observed in the year 1054, which makes M 1 the youngest of all Messier objects! With itssurface brightness of only 11 mag it is one of the more difficult objects of the Messier list to observe. Thevery bright star near M 1 is Zeta Tau (3.0 mag). With a tele lense M 1 looks pretty much lost in space ...

Properties of this deep sky object:

Object Supernova remnantDiameter 6’ x 4’Constellation TaurusRight Ascension (2000) 05h 34m 31.9sDeclination (2000) + 22◦ 00’ 52”Magnitude 8.4 mag (B)Central star 16 magDistance 6200 LYDiscovered by John Bevis (1731)Other names NGC 1952, h 357

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6 CHAPTER 2. MESSIER OBJECT LIST

Figure 2.1: Picture of M 1 taken with the 200-mm-lense of the BRT.

2.2. M 2 7

Figure 2.2: Monochrome negative picture

2.2 Globular cluster M 2

The second entry of the Messier list is the magnificant globular cluster M 2. It is an easy object toobserve. With a tele lense, M 2 is only surrounded by hundreds of stars of the milky way.


Object Globular clusterObject Type IIDiameter 13’Constellation AquariusRight Ascension (2000) 21h 33m 29.3s


Declination (2000) - 00◦ 49’ 23”Magnitude 6.50 mag (V)Surface brightness 11.8 magStars 150000 stars up to 13.1 magDistance 41000 LYDiscovered by Jean-Dominique Maraldi (1746)Other names NGC 7089, h 2125, GCL 121


2.3. M 3 9

Figure 2.4: Monochrome negative picture


Like M 2, the third entry of the Messier list is a magnificient globular cluster. With the 200mm-tele-lenseit is possible to see the brightest stars in this globular cluster.


Object Globular clusterObject Type VIDiameter 18’Constellation Canes VenaticiRight Ascension (2000) 13h 42m 11.2s


Declination (2000) + 28◦ 22’ 32”Magnitude 6.41 mag (V)Surface brightness 12.5 magStars 500000 stars up to 12.7 magDistance 34000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1764)Other names NGC 5272, h 1663, GCL 25


2.4. M 4 11

Figure 2.6: Monochrome negative picture.


The globular cluster M 4 is the nearest object of this class of the Messier catalogue. As a result, M 4has a large diameter and the brightest stars are as bright as 11 mag! A great object to observe, butunfortunatly its declination of only −26.5◦ makes it a bit more difficult to observe from the northernhemisphere. With a 200-mm-tele-lense the globular cluster NGC 6144 is visible, too.


Object Globular clusterObject Type IX


Diameter 26’Constellation ScorpiusRight Ascension (2000) 16h 23m 35.4sDeclination (2000) - 26◦ 31’ 31”Magnitude 5.96 mag (V)Surface brightness 12.4 magStars 100000 stars; brightest star 10.8 magDistance 5600 LYDiscovered by Jean Phillippe Loys de Cheseaux (1745)Other names NGC 6121, GCL 41


2.5. M 5 13



The globular cluster M 5 is as bright as its much more famous brother M 13. Since M 5 is located nearthe equator, it is an easy object to observe!


Object Globular clusterObject Type VDiameter 23’Constellation Serpens Caput


Right Ascension (2000) 15h 18m 33.7sDeclination (2000) + 02◦ 04’ 58”Magnitude 6.03 mag (V)Surface brightness 12.2 magStars Brightest star 12.2 magDistance 27000 LYDiscovered by Gottfried Kirch (1702)Other names NGC 5904, h 1916, GCL 34


2.6. M 6 (BUTTERFLY CLUSTER) 15


2.6 Open cluster M 6 (Butterfly cluster)

M 6 is one of the brightest open clusters and should be an easy object to observe. However, with adeclination of only −32◦13′ it becomes quite difficult to observe M 6 from the northern hemisphere. Thecluster obtains mainly bluish stars. The cluster also obtains the variable star BM Sco. The cluster isplaced in the Milky Way and is surrounded by several other deep sky objects (see picture).


Object Open clusterObject Type II 3 r


Diameter 33’Constellation ScorpiusRight Ascension (2000) 17h 40m 20.7sDeclination (2000) - 32◦ 15’ 15”Magnitude 4.2 mag (V)Stars 100 stars up to 5.8 magDiscovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna (1654)Other names NGC 6405, h 3699, OCL 1030


2.7. M 7 (”PTOLEMY’S CLUSTER”) 17


2.7 Open cluster M 7 (”Ptolemy’s cluster”)

Like M 6, also M 7 is a very bright open cluster. In fact, M 7 is the most southern Messier object ofall! From northern parts of Germany it is not possible to observe M 7 at all! In the field of M 7 threeplanetary nebulae were detected. The cluster is placed in a nice part of the Milky Way. Next to M 7 theopen cluster Tr 30 is placed.


Object Open clusterObject Type I 3 rDiameter 80’


Constellation ScorpiusRight Ascension (2000) 17h 53m 51.1sDeclination (2000) - 34◦ 47’ 34”Magnitude 3.3 mag (V). bzw. 3.5 mag (B)Stars 750 stars up to 5.6 magDistance 100 LYDiscovered by Claudius Ptolemaus (-138)Other names NGC 6475, h 3710, OCL 1028


2.8. M 8 (LAGOON NEBULA) 19


2.8 Open cluster M 8 in the Lagoon Nebula complex

M 8 is an open cluster placed in the famous Lagoon Nebula complex. Placed in the Milky Way it is avery nice object to observe. With a 200mm-tele-lense also the Trifid Nebula (M 20) is visible.


Object Open clusterObject Type II 2 m nDiameter 45’ x 30’Constellation SagittariusRight Ascension (2000) 18h 03m 42.0s


Declination (2000) - 24◦ 22’ 48”Magnitude 5.0 mag (B)Stars 100 stars up to 7 magDistance 4300 LYDiscovered by Friedrich Wilhelm Herschel (1784)Other names NGC 6530, Lagoon Nebula itself: NGC 6523 or LBN 25

Figure 2.15: Picture of M 8. M 20 and M 21 taken with the 200-mm-lense of the BRT.

2.9. M 9 21



M 9 is a less known globular cluster. With a 200mm-tele-lense it is a nice object, because it is surroundedby severel deep sky objects. Especially, the dark nebulae B 64 and B 259 can be seen very well.


Object Globular clusterObject Type VIIIDiameter 9’Constellation Ophiuchus


Right Ascension (2000) 17h 19m 11.7sDeclination (2000) - 18◦ 30’ 59”Magnitude 7.75 mag (V)Stars Stars up to 13.5 magDistance 46000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1764)Other names NGC 6333, h 1979, h 3677, GCL 60


2.10. M 10 23



M 10 is a very nice globular cluster near the equator. The object is surrounded by hundreds of stars ofthe Milky Way.


Object Globular clusterObject Type VIIDiameter 20’Constellation Ophiuchus


Right Ascension (2000) 16h 57m 09.0sDeclination (2000) - 04◦ 05’ 58”Magnitude 6.63 mag (V)Surface brightness 12.0 magStars Stars up to 13 magDistance 25000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1764)Other names NGC 6254, h 1972, h3659, GCL 49


2.11. M 11 (WILD DUCK CLUSTER) 25


2.11 Open cluster M 11 (Wild Duck Cluster)

M 11 is a very nice open cluster placed in a nice part of the Milky Way.


Object Open clusterObject Type I 2 rDiameter 13’Constellation ScutumRight Ascension (2000) 18h 51m 05.9sDeclination (2000) - 06◦ 16’ 12”


Magnitude 5.8 mag (V)Stars 2900 stars up to 8.0 mag

500 stars are brighter than 14 magDistance 6100 LYDiscovered by Gottfried Kirch (1681)Other names NGC 6705, h 2079, OCL 76


2.12. M 12 27



Close to M 10 there is the globular cluster M 12. There are no other bright deep sky objects near M 12.


Object Globular clusterObject Type IXDiameter 15’Constellation OphiuchusRight Ascension (2000) 16h 47m 14.4s


Declination (2000) - 01◦56’52”Magnitude 6.88 mag (V)Surface brightness 12.1 magStars Stars up to 12.0 magDistance 21000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1764)Other names NGC 6218, h 1971, GCL 46


2.13. M 13 (GREAT CLUSTER IN HERCULES) 29


2.13 Globular cluster M 13 (Great cluster in Hercules)

M 13 is a very nice and very bright globular cluster. With a 200mm-tele-lense it is possible to see thebrightest stars in this globular cluster.


Object Globular clusterObject Type VDiameter 17’Constellation HerculesRight Ascension (2000) 16h 41m 41.4s


Declination (2000) + 36◦ 27’ 36”Magnitude 5.86 mag (V)Surface brightness 12.6 magStars 1 billion stars up to 11.9 magDistance 26000 LYDiscovered by Edmond Halley (1714)Other names NGC 6205, h 1968, GCL 45


2.14. M 14 31



M 14 is a quite faint globular cluster, which is not a particular spectecular object with a 200-mm-tele-lense.M 14 is one of the more distant globular clusters seen from earth.


Object Globular clusterObject Type VIIIDiameter 12’Constellation OphiuchusRight Ascension (2000) 17h 37m 36.1s


Declination (2000) - 03◦ 14’ 46”Magnitude 7.49 mag (V)Stars Stars up to 14.0 magDistance 56000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1764)Other names NGC 6402, h 1983, h 3698, GCL 72


2.15. M 15 33



M 15 is one of the brightest globular clusters of the Messier catalogue.


Object Globular clusterObject Type IVDiameter 12’Constellation PegasusRight Ascension (2000) 21h 29m 58.4sDeclination (2000) + 12◦ 10’ 00”


Magnitude 6.48 mag (V)Surface brightness 11.6 magStars At least 500.000 stars up to 12.6 magDistance 39000 LYDiscovered by Jean-Dominique Maraldi (1746)Other names NGC 7078, h 2120, OCL 120


2.16. M 16 (EAGLE NEBULA) 35


2.16 Open cluster M 16 with Eagle Nebula

M 16 is a quite distant open cluster, which is surrounded by the nebulosity IC 4703, also known as the”Eagle Nebula”. With a 200mm-tele-lense M 16 looks brilliant, because it is located in a very nice areaof the Milky Way.


Object Open clusterObject Type II 3 m nDiameter 8’Constellation Serpens Cauda


Right Ascension (2000) 18h 18m 48.1sDeclination (2000) - 13◦ 48’ 26”Magnitude 6.0 mag (V)Stars 350 stars up to 8.2 magDistance 5600 LYDiscovered by John Phillippe Loys de Cheseaux (1745)Other names NGC 6611, h 2006, OCL 54


2.17. M 17 (SWAN NEBULA) 37


2.17 Galactical Nebula M 17 (Swan Nebula)

M 17 is the famous Swan Nebula also known as Omega Nebula. Together with M 18 and M 24 it is abeautiful object for a 200mm-tele-lense!


Object Galactical NebulaObject Type ENDiameter 20’ x 15’Constellation Sagittarius


Right Ascension (2000) 18h 20m 47.1sDeclination (2000) -16◦ 10’ 18”Magnitude 6.0 mag (B)Distance 5900 LYDiscovered by Jean Phillippe Loys de Cheseaux (1745)Other names NGC 6618, h 2008, Omega Nebula

Figure 2.33: Picture of M 17, M 18 and M 24 taken with the 200-mm-lense of the BRT.

2.18. M 18 39


2.18 Open cluster M 18

M 18 is an open cluster with only 40 stars. Although M 18 is not very interestinng, it is beautifullylocated between M 17 and M 24!


Object Open clusterObject Type II 3 p nDiameter 7’Constellation Sagittarius


Right Ascension (2000) 18h 19m 58.4sDeclination (2000) -17◦ 06’ 07”Magnitude 6.9 mag (V)Stars 40 stars up to 8.6 magDistance 4200 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1764)Other names NGC 6613, h 2007, OCL 40

Picture see M 24 and M 17.


The globular cluster M 19 is quite far away from earth. With a 200mm-tele-lense it is not a very interestingobject.


Object Globular clusterObject Type VIIIDiameter 14’Constellation OphiuchusRight Ascension (2000) 17h 02m 37.7sDeclination (2000) - 26◦ 16’ 05”Magnitude 6.83 mag (V)Surface brightness 10.4 magStars Stars up to 14.0 magDistance 45000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1764)Other names NGC 6273, h 1975, h 3663, GCL 52

2.19. M 19 41




2.20 Galactic Nebula M 20 (Trifid Nebula)

M 20 is the famous Trifid Nebula, a brilliant object of the Messier catalogue!


Object Galaktischer NebelObject Type ENDiameter 20’ x 20’Constellation SagittariusRight Ascension (2000) 18h 02m 42.0s

2.21. M 21 43

Declination (2000) - 22◦ 58’ 18”Magnitude 6.3 mag (B)Distance 2700 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1764)Other names NGC 6514, h 1991, h 3718

Picture see M 8.


M 21 is an open cluster, which is located near M 20.


Object Open clusterObject Type I 3 rDiameter 15’Constellation SagittariusRight Ascension (2000) 18h 04m 13.4sDeclination (2000) - 22◦ 29’ 24”Magnitude 5.9 mag (V)Stars 100 stars up to 7.3 magDistance 3900 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1764)Other names NGC 6531, h 1993, OCL 26

Picture see M 8.


M 22 is a very bright and large globular cluster. It is an interesting object even equiped only with a200mm-tele-lense. Another globular cluster, M 28, is located close to M 22.


Object Globular clusterObject Type VIIDiameter 24’Constellation SagittariusRight Ascension (2000) 18h 36m 24.1sDeclination (2000) - 23◦ 54’ 12”Magnitude 5.07 mag (V)Surface brightness 11.3 magStars 500000 stars up to 10.7 magDistance 10000 LYDiscovered by Johann Abraham Ihle (1665)Other names NGC 6656, h 2015, h 3753, GCL 99



2.23. M 23 45



M 23 is an open cluster located in a nice part of the Milky Way.


Object Open clusterObject Type II 2 rDiameter 30’Constellation SagittariusRight Ascension (2000) 17h 57m 04.7s


Declination (2000) - 18◦ 59’ 07”Magnitude 5.5 mag (V)Stars 150 stars up to 9.2 magDistance 2000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1764)Other names NGC 6494, h 1990, OCL 30


2.24. M 24 47


2.24 Bright part of the Milky Way M 24

M 24 is a bright part of the Milky Way.


Object Bright part of the Milky WayDiameter 1.5◦ x 0.5◦

Constellation SagittariusRight Ascension (2000) 18h 18m 24.0sDeclination (2000) - 18◦ 24’ 24”


Magnitude 2.5 mag (V)Distance 12000 - 16000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1764)


2.25. M 25 49



M 25 is a bright open cluster in the southern hemisphere. The brightest star of the cluster is the variablestar U Sgr.


Object Open clusterObject Type I 3 mDiameter 32’Constellation SagittariusRight Ascension (2000) 18h 31m 36.0s


Declination (2000) - 19◦ 15’ 00”Magnitude 4.6 mag (V)Stars 220 stars up to 6.3 magDistance 2000 LYDiscovered by Johann Abraham IhleOther names IC 4725


2.26. M 26 51



M 26 is a small open cluster. However, it is a very interesting object because it is located in a very nicearea of the Milky Way!


Object Open clusterObject Type II 3 mDiameter 14’Constellation Scutum


Right Ascension (2000) 18h 45m 18.6sDeclination (2000) - 09◦ 23’ 01”Magnitude 8.0 mag (V)Stars 70 stars up to 10.3 magDistance 5200 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1764)Other names NGC 6694, h 3758, OCL 67


2.27. M 27 (DUMBBELL NEBULA) 53


2.27 Planetary Nebula M 27 (Dumbbell Nebula)

The planetary nebula M 27 is one of the most beautiful objects of the Messier catalogue. However, with a200mm-tele-lense this object is quite small and looks a bit like ”lost in space”. M 27 contails ”Goldilocks”variable star NSV 24959 (14.3 mag - 15.1 mag).


Object Planetary NebulaObject Type 3(2)Diameter 8.0’ x 5.7’


Constellation VulpeculaRight Ascension (2000) 19h 59m 36.3sDeclination (2000) + 22◦ 43’ 16”Magnitude 7.4 mag (V); 7.6 mag (B)Central Star Magnitude 13.9 magDistance 1100 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1764)Other names NGC 6853, PK60-3.1, h 2060


2.28. M 28 55



M 28 is a small globular cluster.


Object Globular clusterObject Type IVDiameter 11’Constellation SagittariusRight Ascension (2000) 18h 24m 32.8s


Declination (2000) - 24◦ 52’ 12”Magnitude 6.99 mag (V)Stars Stars up to 12.0 magDistance 35000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1764)Other names NGC 6626, GCL 94, h 2010, h 3743

Picture see M 22.


M 29 is a very nice open cluster, which looks a bit like the ”Pleiades”. It is located in the Milky Wayquite close to γ Cyg.


Object Open clusterObject Type II 3 m nDiameter 10’Constellation CygnusRight Ascension (2000) 20h 23m 57.7sDeclination (2000) + 38◦ 30’ 28”Magnitude 6.6 mag (V)Stars 230 stars up to 8.5 magDistance 3700 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1764)Other names NGC 6913, OCL 168, h 2078

2.29. M 29 57





M 30 is a quite small globular cluster.


Object Globular clusterObject Type VDiameter 11’Constellation CapricornusRight Ascension (2000) 21h 40m 21.9sDeclination (2000) - 23◦ 10’ 45”

2.30. M 30 59

Magnitude 7.56 mag (V)Stars Stars up to 12 magDistance 29000 LYDiscovered by Chales Messier (1764)Other names NGC 7099, GCL 122, h 2128, h 3878




2.31 Galaxy M 31 (Andromeda Nebula)

M 31 is the famous Andromeda nebula. It is a perfect object for a 200mm-tele-lense.


Object GalaxyObject Type SA(s)b IIDiameter 190.5’ x 61.7’Constellation AndromedaRight Ascension (2000) 00h 42m 44.3sDeclination (2000) +41◦ 16’ 06”

2.31. M 31 (ANDROMEDA NEBULA) 61

Magnitude 3.6 mag (V); 4.37 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.6 magDistance 2.6 Mio. LYDiscovered by Abd-al-Rahman Al Sufi (903 - 986)Other names NGC 224, h 50




2.32 Galaxy M 32

M 32 is an elliptical galaxy close to the Andromeda Nebula. Like M 31 it is part of the local group ofgalaxies.


Object Elliptical GalaxyObject Type cE2Diameter 8.7’ x 6.5’Constellation AndromedaRight Ascension (2000) 00h 42m 41.8s

2.33. M 33 63

Declination (2000) +40◦ 51’ 52”Magnitude 8.3 mag (V); 9.09 mag (B)Surface brightness 12.6 magDistance 2.6 Mio. LYDiscovered by Guillaume Hyazinthe Legentil (1749)Other names NGC 221, h 51, Arp 168

Picture see M 31.

2.33 Galaxy M 33

Like M 31, also M 33 is a perfect object for a 200mm-tele-lense. There are 16 deep sky objects (HIIregions, globular clusters) brighter than 15 mag part of M 33.


Object GalaxyObject Type SA(s)cd II-IIIDiameter 70.8’ x 41.7’Constellation TriangulumRight Ascension (2000) 01h 33m 50.8sDeclination (2000) + 30◦ 39’ 37”Magnitude 5.8 mag (V); 6.27 mag (B)Surface brightness 14.4 magDistance 2.7 Mio. LYDiscovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna (1654)Other names NGC 598, h 131



2.34. M 34 65



M 34 is a fine open cluster in the constellation Perseus.


Object Open clusterObject Type II 3 rDiameter 35’Constellation PerseusRight Ascension (2000) 02h 42m 07.4s


Declination (2000) + 42◦ 44’ 46”Magnitude 5.2 mag (V)Stars 100 stars up to 7.3 magDistance 1600 LYDiscovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierne (1654)Other names NGC 1039, OCL 382, h 248


2.35. M 35 67



M 35 is a very nice open cluster in Gemini. There are several other deep sky objects near M 35.


Object Open clusterObject Type III 3 rDiameter 28’Constellation GeminiRight Ascension (2000) 06h 08m 55.9sDeclination (2000) + 24◦ 21’ 28”


Magnitude 5.1 mag (V)Stars 120 stars with brightness 7.5 mag down to 13 magDistance 2700 LYDiscovered by Jean Phillippe Loys de Cheseaux (1745)Other names NGC 2168, OCL 466, h 377


2.36. M 36 69



M 36 is one of the three bright open clusters in Auriga.


Object Open clusterObject Type I 3 rDiameter 10’Constellation AurigaRight Ascension (2000) 05h 36m 17.7sDeclination (2000) + 34◦ 08’ 27”


Magnitude 6.0 mag (V)Stars 180 stars up to 8.8 magDistance 4300 LYDiscovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna (1654)Other names NGC 1960, OCL 445, h 358

Picture see M 38.


M 37 is one of the three bright open clusters in Auriga. It is a fine object using a 200mm-tele-lense!


Object Open clusterObject Type I 2 rDiameter 23’Constellation AurigaRight Ascension (2000) 05h 52m 18.3sDeclination (2000) + 32◦ 33’ 11”Magnitude 5.6 mag (V)Stars 2000 stars; brightest star 9.2 magDistance 4500 LYDiscovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierne. 1654Other names NGC 2099, OCL 451, h 369

2.37. M 37 71





M 38 is one of the three bright open clusters in Auriga. There are several other deep sky objects near M38!


Object Open clusterObject Type II 2 rDiameter 21’Constellation AurigaRight Ascension (2000) 05h 28m 42.5s

2.38. M 38 73

Declination (2000) + 35◦ 51’ 18”Magnitude 6.4 mag (V)Stars 100 stars up to 14 magDistance 3500 LYDiscovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna (1654)Other names NGC 1912, OCL 433

Figure 2.63: Picture of M 36 and M 38 taken with the 200-mm-lense of the BRT.




M 39 is a very nice open cluster containing only 30 stars up to 6.8 mag. It is the nearest open cluster inthe Messier catalogue.


Object Open clusterObject Type III 2 mDiameter 31’Constellation CygnusRight Ascension (2000) 21h 31m 48.3s

2.39. M 39 75

Declination (2000) + 48◦ 26’ 55”Magnitude 4.6 mag (V)Stars 30 stars up to 6.8 magDistance 1000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1764)Other names NGC 7092, OCL 211, h 2126




2.40 Association M 40 (Winnecke 4)

M 40 is a kind of ”error” in the Messier catalogue. This is not a deep sky object, but M 40 consists onlyof 2 stars. This object is quite uninteresting.


Object StarsObject Type AssociationDiameter 53”Constellation Ursa MajorRight Ascension (2000) 12h 22m 16.1s

2.40. M 40 (WINNECKE 4) 77

Declination (2000) + 58◦ 05’ 04”Magnitude 9.0 / 9.3 mag (V)Distance 1900 LY and 500 LYDiscovered by Messier (1764)





M 41 is quite close to Sirius and is a very good object for a 200mm-tele-lense!


Object Open clusterObject Type I 3 rDiameter 38’Constellation Canis MaiorRight Ascension (2000) 06h 46m 00.0s

2.41. M 41 79

Declination (2000) - 20◦ 45’ 15”Magnitude 4.5 mag (V)Stars Brightest star 8 magDistance 2300 LYDiscovered by Aristoteles (- 325)Other names NGC 2287, h 411




2.42 Galactic Nebula M 42 (Great Nebula in Orion)

M 42 is the most stunning object of the Messier Catalogue. Using a 200mm-tele-lense, the whole area ofgreat nebula in Orion can be seen!


Object Galactic NebulaDiameter 90’ x 60’Constellation OrionRight Ascension (2000) 05h 35m 17.2sDeclination (2000) - 05◦ 23’ 27”

2.42. M 42 (GREAT NEBULA IN ORION) 81

Magnitude 3.7 magSurface brightness 11 magDistance 1300 LYDiscovered by Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peires (1610)Other names NGC 1976, LBN 974, h 360




2.43 Galactic Nebula M 43

M 43 is located next to M 42 and is also part of the galactic nebula in Orion.


Object Galactic NebulaObject Type Galactic Nebula (EN)Diameter 20’ x 15’Constellation OrionRight Ascension (2000) 05h 35m 31.3sDeclination (2000) - 05◦ 16’ 03”

2.44. M 44 (PRAESEPE) 83

Magnitude 6.8 mag (V)Surface brightness 13 magDistance 1300 LYDiscovered by Jean-Jacques Dortous de Mairan (1731)Other names NGC 1982

Picture see M 42.

2.44 Open cluster M 44 (Praesepe)

The open cluster M 44 is the second brightest and second nearest open cluster of the Messier catalogue.It is a perfect object for a 200mm-tele-lense.


Object Open clusterObject Type II 3 mDiameter 95’Constellation CancerRight Ascension (2000) 08h 40m 22.2sDeclination (2000) + 19◦ 40’ 19”Magnitude 3.1 mag (V)Stars 200 stars; brightest star 6.3 magDistance 600 LYDiscovered by Aratos von Soli (-260)Other names NGC 2632, OCL 507, h 517



2.45. M 45 (PLEIADS) 85


2.45 Open cluster M 45 (Pleiads)

M 45 is the brightest and nearest open cluster of the Messier catalogue. It is a perfect object for a200mm-tele-lense.


Object Open clusterObject Type I3rnDiameter 120’Constellation TaurusRight Ascension (2000) 03h 47m 00.0s


Declination (2000) + 24◦ 07’ 00”Magnitude 1.5 mag (V)Stars 200 stars; brightest star 2.9 magDistance 425 LYOther names OCL 421


2.46. M 46 87



M 46 is a very nice open cluster in the constellation Puppis. M 46 is quite interesting, since the planetarynebula NGC 2438 (10.8 mag) is part of M 46.


Object Open clusterObject Type II 2 rDiameter 27’Constellation PuppisRight Ascension (2000) 07h 41m 46.8s


Declination (2000) - 14◦ 48’ 36”Magnitude 6.1 mag (V)Stars 500 stars; brightest star 8.7 magDistance 4500 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1771)Other names NGC 2437, OCL 601, h 463

Picture see M 47.


M 46 is a very nice open cluster in the constellation Puppis. With a 200mm-tele-lense both open clusters,M 46 and M 47, can be seen in one picture.


Object Open clusterObject Type I 3 mDiameter 25’Constellation PuppisRight Ascension (2000) 07h 36m 35.0sDeclination (2000) - 14◦ 28’ 47”Magnitude 4.4 mag (V)Stars 50 stars up to 5.7 magDistance 1600 LYDiscovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna (1654)Other names NGC 2422, OCL 596, h 489, h 3088

2.47. M 47 89





M 48 is a fine open cluster containing abou 80 stars.


Object Open clusterObject Type I 3 rDiameter 54’Constellation HydraRight Ascension (2000) 08h 13m 43.1sDeclination (2000) - 05◦ 45’ 02”

2.48. M 48 91

Magnitude 5.8 mag (V)Stars 80 stars up to 8.2 magDistance 2500 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1771)Other names NGC 2548, OCL 584, h 496




2.49 Elliptical Galaxy M 49

M 49 is the second brightest galaxy of the Virgo cluster. There are several galaxies of the Virgo clusterin the field of the picture taken with the 200mm-tele-lense!


Object Elliptical GalaxyObject Type E2Diameter 10.2’ x 8.3’Constellation VirgoRight Ascension (2000) 12h 29m 46.7s

2.49. M 49 93

Declination (2000) + 08◦ 00’ 00”Magnitude 8.4 mag (V); 9.3 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.2 magDistance 53 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 49 SN 1969Q (13.0 mag)Discovered by Chales Messier (1771)Other names NGC 4472, h 1294, Arp 134





M 50 is a very nice open cluster in the constellation Monoceros.


Object Open clusterObject Type II 3 rDiameter 16’Constellation MonocerosRight Ascension (2000) 07h 02m 42.3sDeclination (2000) - 08◦ 23’ 26”

2.50. M 50 95

Magnitude 5.9 mag (V)Stars 100 stars; brightest star 7.8 magDistance 2900 LYDiscovered by Giovanni Domenico Cassini (1711)Other names NGC 2323, OCL 559, h 425




2.51 Galaxy M 51 (Whirlpool Galaxy)

M 51 is the spectecular Whirlpool Galaxy. However, it looks pretty small when using a 200mm-tele-lense.


Object GalaxyObject Type SA(s)bcpDiameter 11’ x 8’Constellation Canes VenaticiRight Ascension (2000) 13h 29m 52.1sDeclination (2000) + 47◦ 11’ 43”

2.51. M 51 (WHIRLPOOL GALAXY) 97

Magnitude 8.5 mag (V); 9.00 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.1 magDistance 27 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 51 SN 1994I (13.5 mag; Object Type Ic)

SN 2005cs (13.7 mag; Object Type II)Discovered by Charles Messier (1773)Other names NGC 5194, h 1622, Arp 85





M 52 is a nice open cluster in a nice field of the Milky Way.


Object Open clusterObject Type II 2 rDiameter 16’Constellation CassiopeiaRight Ascension (2000) 23h 24m 50.4sDeclination (2000) + 61◦ 36’ 24”

2.52. M 52 99

Magnitude 6.9 mag (V)Stars 130 stars up to 11.0 magDistance 4600 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1774)Other names NGC 7654, OCL 260, h 2238





M 53 is a nice globular cluster in the constellation Coma Berenices. There are only two globular clustersin the Messier catalogue, which are more distant than M 53. For this reason, with a 200mm-tele-lense M53 is quite small.


Object Globular clusterObject Type VDiameter 13’Constellation Coma Berenices

2.53. M 53 101

Right Ascension (2000) 13h 12m 55.2sDeclination (2000) + 18◦ 10’ 08”Magnitude 7.71 mag (V)Stars Stars up to 13.8 magDistance 61000 LYDiscovered by Johann Elert Bode (1775)Other names NGC 5024, GCL 22, h 1558





M 54 is the faintest globular cluster of the Messier catalogue. M 54 does not belong to our own galaxy,but to the dwarf galaxy SagDEG, which is our nearest neighbour galaxy. With a 200mm-tele-lense thisobject is not very interesting.


Object Globular clusterObject Type IIIDiameter 9.1’Constellation Sagittarius

2.55. M 55 103

Right Ascension (2000) 18h 55m 03.3sDeclination (2000) - 30◦ 28’ 40”Magnitude 7.61 mag (V)Stars Stars only up to 15.5 magDistance 85000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1778)Other names NGC 6715, GCL 104, h 3763

Picture see M 70.


The globular cluster M 55 looks quite nice even with a 200mm-tele-lense, since it is quite large andconsists of stars up to 11.2 magnitude.


Object Globular clusterObject Type XIDiameter 19’Constellation SagittariusRight Ascension (2000) 19h 39m 59.4sDeclination (2000) - 30◦ 57’ 44”Magnitude 6.33 mag (V)Surface brightness 12.7 magStars Stars up to 11.2 magDistance 19000 LYDiscovered by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille (1751)Other names NGC 6809, GCL 113, h 3798



2.56. M 56 105



M 56 and M 57 are the reasen for Lyra being an interesting constellation. M 56 is a very small globularcluster.


Object Open clusterObject Type XDiameter 8’Constellation Lyra


Right Ascension (2000) 19h 16m 35.4sDeclination (2000) + 30◦ 11’ 05”Magnitude 8.21 mag (V)Surface brightness 13.0 magStars Stars up to 13.0 magDistance 28000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1779)Other names NGC 6779, GCL 110, h 2036


2.57. M 57 (RING NEBULA) 107


2.57 Planetary Nebula M 57 (Ring Nebula)

M 56 and M 57 are the reasen for Lyra being an interesting constellation. M 57 probably is the mostfamous planetary nebula. However, with a 200mm-tele-lense it is a very small object.


Object Planetary nebulaDiameter 86” x 62”Constellation LyraRight Ascension (2000) 18h 53m 35.1s


Declination (2000) + 33◦ 01’ 45”Magnitude 8.8 mag (V) bzw. 9.7 mag (B)Central star Magnitude 15.3 magDistance 2300 LYDiscovered by Antoine Darquier de Pellepoix (1779)Other names NGC 6720, PK63+13.1, h 2023


2.58. M 58 109


2.58 Galaxy M 58

M 58 is a barred spiral galaxy in the Virgo cluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type SAB(rs)bDiameter 5.9’ x 4.7’Constellation VirgoRight Ascension (2000) 12h 37m 43.7sDeclination (2000) + 11◦ 49’ 05”


Magnitude 10.1 mag (V); 10.56 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.5 magDistance 63 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 58 SN 1988A (13.5 mag; Object Type II)

SN 1989M (12.2 mag; Object Type Ia)Discovered by Chales Messier (1779)Other names NGC 4579, h 1368

Picture see M 60.


M 59 is very close to M 60 and belongs to the Virgo cluster.


Object Elliptical GalaxyObject Type E5Diameter 5.4’ x 3.7’Constellation VirgoRight Ascension (2000) 12h 42m 02.4sDeclination (2000) + 11◦ 38’ 48”Magnitude 9.8 mag (V); 10.80 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.0 magDistance 48 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 58 SN 1939B (11.9 mag)Discovered by Johann Gottfried Koehler (1779)Other names NGC 4621, h 1386

Picture see M 60.


M 60 is part of the Virgo cluster. The picture taken with the 200mm-tele-lense shows many furthergalaxies in the field of M 60.


Object Elliptical GalaxyObject Type E2Diameter 7.4’ x 6.0’Constellation VirgoRight Ascension (2000) 12h 43m 39.7sDeclination (2000) + 11◦ 33’ 07”Magnitude 8.8 mag (V); 9.82 mag (B)Surface brightness 12.9 magDistance 53 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 60 SN 2004W (18.8 mag; Object Type Ia-p)Discovered by Johann Gottfried Koehler (1779)Other names NGC 4649, h 1408, Arp 116

2.60. M 60 111

Figure 2.97: Picture of M 58, M 59, M 60, M 89 and M 90 taken with the 200-mm-lense of the BRT.



2.61 Galaxy M 61

M 61 is a small galaxy in the Virgo cluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type SAB(rs)bc I-IIDiameter 6.5’ x 5.8’Constellation VirgoRight Ascension (2000) 12h 21m 54.9sDeclination (2000) + 04◦ 28’ 22”

2.62. M 62 113

Magnitude 9.6 mag (V); 10.17 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.4 magDistance 50 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 61 SN 1926A (12.8 mag)

SN 1961I (13.0 mag; Object Type II)SN 1964F (12 mag; Object Type II)SN 1999gn (13.4 mag; Object Type II)SN 2006ov (14.8 mag; Object Type II)

Discovered by Barnaba Oriani (1779)Other names NGC 4303, h 1202

Picture see M 49.


M 62 is a distant globular cluster.


Object Globular clusterObject Type IVDiameter 14’Constellation OphiuchusRight Ascension (2000) 17h 01m 12.5sDeclination (2000) - 30◦ 06’ 44”Magnitude 6.53 mag (V)Distance 35000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1771)Other names NGC 6266, GCL 51, h 3661



2.63. M 63 (SUNFLOWER GALAXY) 115


2.63 Galaxy M 63 (Sunflower Galaxy)

M 63 is a galaxy of the M51-Galaxy-Group.


Object GalaxyObject Type SA(rs)cdDiameter 12.6’ x 7.2’Constellation Canes VenaticiRight Ascension (2000) 13h 15m 49.1s


Declination (2000) + 42◦ 01’ 50”Magnitude 9.0 mag (V); 9.36 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.8 magDistance 27 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 63 SN 1971I (11.5 mag)Discovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1779)Other names NGC 5055, h1570


2.64. M 64 (BLACK EYE GALAXY) 117


2.64 Galaxy M 64 (Black Eye Galaxy)

M 64 is a bright galaxy with a dark structure and looks like a black eye. Using a 200mm-tele-lense, thegalaxy is quite small.


Object GalaxyObject Type (R)SA(rs)abDiameter 10.0’ x 5.4’Constellation Coma BerenicesRight Ascension (2000) 12h 56m 43.8s


Declination (2000) + 21◦ 40’ 59”Magnitude 8.4 mag (V); 9.37 mag (B)Surface brightness 12.6 magDistance 18 Mio. LYDiscovered by Edward Pigott (1779)Other names NGC 4826, h 1486


2.65. M 65 119


2.65 Galaxy M 65

M 65 and M 66 are two galaxies of the Messier catalogue very close to each other. They are located inthe constellation Leo. Together with NGC 3628 and NGC 3593 they build up the Leo-Galaxy-Group.


Object GalaxyObject Type SAB(s)bDiameter 9.8’ x 2.9’Constellation LeoRight Ascension (2000) 11h 18m 55.9s


Declination (2000) + 13◦ 05’ 37”Magnitude 9.3 mag (V); 9.74 mag (B)Surface brightness 12.7 magDistance 33 Mio. LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1780)Other names NGC 3623, h 854


2.66. M 66 121


2.66 Galaxy M 66

M 65 and M 66 are two galaxies of the Messier catalogue very close to each other. They are located inthe constellation Leo. Together with NGC 3628 and NGC 3593 they build up the Leo-Galaxy-Group.


Object GalaxyObject Type SAB(s)bDiameter 9.1’ x 4.2’Constellation LeoRight Ascension (2000) 11h 20m 15.1s


Declination (2000) + 12◦ 59’ 28”Magnitude 9.0 mag (V); 9.74 mag (B)Surface brightness 12.8 magDistance 33 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 66 SN 1973R (14.5 mag; Object Type II)

SN 1989B (13 mag; Object Type Ia)SN 1997bs (17.0; with Object Type IIn)

Discovered by Charles Messier (1780)Other names NGC 3627, h 857, h 875, Arp 16

Picture see M 65.


M 67 is a very nice open cluster, which is quite large. M 67 is the oldest open cluster in the Messiercatalogue.


Object Open clusterObject Type II 3 rDiameter 29’Constellation CancerRight Ascension (2000) 08h 51m 20.1sDeclination (2000) + 11◦ 48’ 43”Magnitude 6.9 mag (V)Stars 500 stars; brightest star 9.7 magDistance 3000 LYDiscovered by Johann Gottfried Koehler (1779)Other names NGC 2682, OCL 549, h 531

2.67. M 67 123





M 68 is a southern globular cluster.


Object Globular clusterObject Type XDiameter 12’Constellation HydraRight Ascension (2000) 12h 39m 28.0sDeclination (2000) - 26◦ 44’ 34”

2.68. M 68 125

Magnitude 8.25 mag (V)Stars 100.000 stars; brightest star 12.6 magDistance 37000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1780)Other names NGC 4590, GCL 20, h 3404





M 70 is a small globular cluster.


Object Globular clusterObject Type VDiameter 7.1’Constellation SagittariusRight Ascension (2000) 18h 31m 23.2sDeclination (2000) - 32◦ 20’ 53”

2.69. M 69 127

Magnitude 7.79 mag (V); 7.6 mag (B)Stars Brightest star 13.2 magDistance 37000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1780)Other names NGC 6637, GCL 69

Figure 2.111: picture mit Picture of M 69 taken with the 200-mm-lense of the BRT.




M 70 is a very small and very faint open cluster.


Object Open clusterObject Type VDiameter 7.8’Constellation SagittariusRight Ascension (2000) 18h 43m 12.5s

2.70. M 70 129

Declination (2000) - 32◦ 17’ 31”Magnitude 7.8 mag (V)Stars Brightest star 14.0 magDistance 35000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1780)Other names NGC 6681, GCL 101, h 3756





M 71 is a fine globular cluster in the constellation Sagitta. It is surrounded by hundreds of stars whichmakes it an interestng object even with a 200mm-tele-lense.


Object Globular clusterObject Type XIDiameter 7.2’Constellation Sagitta

2.71. M 71 131

Right Ascension (2000) 19h 53m 46.1sDeclination (2000) + 18◦ 46’ 42”Magnitude 8.28 mag (V)Stars 300 stars; brightest star 12.1 magDistance 18000 LYDiscovered by Jean Phillippe Loys de Cheseaux (1745)Other names NGC 6838, GCL 115, h 2054





M 72 is a very distant globular cluster. The Messier object M 73 is located next to M 72.


Object Globular clusterObject Type IXDiameter 5.9’Constellation AquariusRight Ascension (2000) 20h 53m 27.9s

2.72. M 72 133

Declination (2000) - 12◦ 32’ 13”Magnitude 9.35 mag (V)Stars Brightest star 14.2 magDistance 59000 LYDiscovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1780)Other names NGC 6981, GCL 118, h 2090




2.73 Asterism M 73

M 73 consists of 4 stars. It is a quite uninteresting object of the Messier catalogue.


Object AsterismObject Type IV 1 pDiameter 2.8’Constellation AquariusRight Ascension (2000) 20h 58m 55.9sDeclination (2000) - 12◦ 38’ 08”

2.74. M 74 135

Magnitude 8.9 mag (V)Stars 4 stars magnitude 10.5 mag - 11.9 magDistance 900 - 2600 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1780)Other names NGC 6994, OCL 89

Picture see M 72.

2.74 Galaxy M 74

M 74 is a nice galaxy in the constellation Pisces.


Object GalaxyObject Type SA(s)cDiameter 10.5’ x 9.5’Constellation PiscesRight Ascension (2000) 01h 36m 41.6sDeclination (2000) + 15◦ 47’ 03”Magnitude 9.5 mag (V). bzw. 9.77 mag (B)Surface brightness 14.3 magDistance 25 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 74 SN 2002ap (Object Type Ib/c-pec 12.0 mag Hypernova)

SN 2003gd (Object Type II 13.6 mag after maximum)Discovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1780)Other names NGC 628, h 142



2.75. M 75 137



M 75 is a southern globular cluster, which is very small and quite faint.


Object Globular clusterObject Type IDiameter 6.0’Constellation SagittariusRight Ascension (2000) 20h 06m 04.7sDeclination (2000) - 21◦ 55’ 17”


Magnitude 8.52 mag (V)Stars Stars only up to 14.6 magDistance 78000 LYDiscovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1780)Other names NGC 6864, GCL 116, h 2064


2.76. M 76 (LITTLE DUMBBELL NEBULA) 139


2.76 Planetary Nebula M 76 (Little Dumbbell Nebula)

The planetary nebula M 76 is a very small version of M 27. It is very small and very faint


Object Planetary NebulaObject Type III + VIDiameter 67”Constellation PerseusRight Ascension (2000) 01h 42m 18s


Declination (2000) + 51◦ 34 16”Magnitude 10.1 mag (V); 12.2 mag (B)Central star Magnitude 16.3 magDistance 2600 LYDiscovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1780)Other names NGC 650 (SW-part) and NGC 651 (NO-part), PK130-10.1


2.77. M 77 141


2.77 Galaxy M 77

M 77 is a bright galaxy in the constellation Cetus. M 77 is an active galaxy classified as Seyfert-2-Galaxy.In the field there are further galaxies, which makes it an interesting object even with a 200mm-tele-lense.


Object GalaxyObject Type (R)SA(rs)bDiameter 7.1’ x 6.0’Constellation CetusRight Ascension (2000) 02h 42m 40.7s


Declination (2000) - 00◦ 00’ 47”Magnitude 8.9 mag (V); 9.55 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.0 magDistance 47 Mio. LYDiscovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1780)Other names NGC 1068, h 262, Arp 37

Figure 2.125: Picture of M 77 taken with the 200-mm-lense of the BRT

2.78. M 78 143


2.78 Galactical Nebula M 78

The galactical nebula M 78 is part of the Orion-Nebula-Complex. M 78 is quite smal, but is surroundedby othr nebulae, making it a very interesting object for a 200mm-tele-lense.


Object Galactical NebulaObject Type Reflection nebulaDiameter 8’ x 6’Constellation OrionRight Ascension (2000) 05h 46m 45.8s


Declination (2000) + 00◦ 04’ 45”Magnitude 8.0 mag (B)Distance 1300 LYDiscovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1780)Other names NGC 2068, h 368


2.79. M 79 145



M 79 is a small globular cluster in the constellation Lepus.


Object Globular clusterObject Type VDiameter 8.7’Constellation LepusRight Ascension (2000) 05h 24m 10.6sDeclination (2000) - 24◦ 31’ 27”


Magnitude 7.84 mag (V)Stars 90000 stars up to 13 magDistance 45000 LYDiscovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1780)Other names NGC 1904, GCL 10


2.80. M 80 147



Like M 79, also M 80 is a small globular cluster. However, it is an interesting object for a 200mm-tele-lense, because of the nebulae IC 4604 and IC 4603 next to it.


Object Globular clusterObject Type IIDiameter 8.9’Constellation ScorpiusRight Ascension (2000) 16h 17m 03.1s


Declination (2000) - 22◦ 58’ 30”Magnitude 7.31 mag (V)Surface brightness 10.8 magStars 100000 stars; brightest star 13.4 magDistance 48000 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1781)Other names NGC 6093, GCL 39, h 3624


2.81. M 81 (BODE’S NEBULA) 149


2.81 Galaxy M 81 (Bode’s Nebula)

M 81 is a very nice galaxy in the constellation Ursa Maior.


Object GalaxyObject Type SA(s)abDiameter 26.9’ x 14.1’Constellation Ursa MaiorRight Ascension (2000) 09h 55m 32.9sDeclination (2000) + 69◦ 03’ 55”


Magnitude 7.3 mag (V); 7.86 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.6 magDistance 12 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 81 SN 1993J (10.2 mag; Object Type IIb)Discovered by Johann Elert Bode (1774)Other names NGC 3031, h 649


2.82. M 82 151


2.82 Galaxy M 82

M 82 is a wunderful example for an aktive galaxy. It is located next to M 82.


Object GalaxyObject Type I0spDiameter 11.2’ x 4.3’Constellation Ursa MaiorRight Ascension (2000) 09h 55m 50.7sDeclination (2000) + 69◦ 40’ 43”


Magnitude 8.9 mag (V); 9.28 mag (B)Surface brightness 12.9 magDistance 11 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 82 SN 2004am (17.0 mag; Object Type II)

SN 1986DDiscovered by Johann Elert Bode (1774)Other names NGC 3034, Arp 337

Picture see M 81.

2.83 Galaxy M 83

M 83 ist a wunderful galaxy. It is big enough to show details even with a 200mm-tele-lende!


Object GalaxyObject Type SAB(s)c I-IIDiameter 12.9’ x 11.5’Constellation HydraRight Ascension (2000) 13h 37m 00.2sDeclination (2000) - 29◦ 52’ 04”Magnitude 7.8 mag (V); 8.21 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.0 magDistance 15 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 83 SN 1923A (14.0 mag)

SN 1945B (14.2 mag)SN 1950B (14.5 mag)SN 1957D (15.0 mag)SN 1968L (11.9 mag)SN 1983N (12.5 mag; Object Type Ia)

Discovered by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille (1751)Other names NGC 5236, h 3523

2.83. M 83 153





M 84 is an elliptical galaxy in the Virgo cluster. It is located next to M 86 and M 87.


Object Elliptical galaxyObject Type E1Diameter 6.5’ x 5.6’Constellation VirgoRight Ascension (2000) 12h 25m 04.7sDeclination (2000) + 12◦ 53’ 13”

2.85. M 85 155

Magnitude 9.4 mag (V); 10.26 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.3 magDistance 58 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 84 SN 1957B (12.5 mag; Object Type Ia)

SN 1980I (14.0 mag)SN 1991bg (14 mag; Object Type Ia-p)

Discovered by Charles Messier (1781)Other names NGC 4374, h 1237

Picture see M 88.

2.85 Galaxy M 85

M 85 is a bright galaxy in the Virgo cluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type LA(s)0+PDiameter 7.1’ x 5.5’Constellation Coma BerenicesRight Ascension (2000) 12h 25m 24.2sDeclination (2000) + 18◦ 11’ 27”Magnitude 9.2 mag (V); 10.09 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.1 magDistance 48 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 85 SN 1960R (12.0 mag; Object Type Ia)Discovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1781)Other names NGC 4382, h 1242



2.86. M 86 157



M 86 is a galaxy of the Virgo cluster.


Object Elliptical GalaxyObject Type E3Diameter 8.9’ x 5.8’Constellation VirgoRight Ascension (2000) 12h 26m 11.9sDeclination (2000) + 12◦ 56’ 47”


Magnitude 9.0 mag (V); 10.07 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.2 magDistance 57 Mio. LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1781)Other names NGC 4406, h 1253

Picture see M 88.


M 87 probably is the most famous elliptical galaxy. It is part of the Virgo cluster and surrounded byplenty of other galaxies.


Object Elliptical GalaxyObject Type E+0-1pDiameter 8.3’ x 6.6’Constellation VirgoRight Ascension (2000) 12h 30m 49.3sDeclination (2000) + 12◦ 23’ 26”Magnitude 8.8 mag (V); 9.58 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.1 magDistance 55 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 87 SN 1919A (12.3 mag)Discovered by Charles Messier (1781)Other names NGC 4486, h 1301, Jet in M 87 = Arp 152

2.87. M 87 159

Figure 2.139: Picture of M 58, M 84, M 86, M 87, M 88 and M90 taken with the 200-mm-lense of theBRT.



2.88 Galaxy M 88

M 88 is a bright galaxy of the Virgo cluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type SA(rs)bDiameter 6.8’ x 3.7’Constellation Coma BerenicesRight Ascension (2000) 12h 31m 59.1sDeclination (2000) + 14◦ 25’ 15”

2.88. M 88 161

Magnitude 9.7 mag (V); 10.27 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.1 magDistance 57 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 88 SN 1999cl (13.6 mag)Discovered by Charles Messier (1781)Other names NGC 4501, h 1312

Figure 2.141: Picture of M 84, M 86, M 87, M 88, M 89, M90, M 91 and M 100 taken with the 200-mm-lense of the BRT.




M 89 is an elliptical galaxy of the Virgo cluster.


Object Elliptical GalaxyObject Type E0Diameter 5.1’ x 4.7’Constellation VirgoRight Ascension (2000) 12h 35m 39.9sDeclination (2000) + 12◦ 33’ 23”

2.90. M 90 163


Picture see M 60.

2.90 Galaxy M 90

M 90 is a galaxy in the constellation Virgo. It is not yet clear, if or if not M 90 belongs to the Virgocluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type SAB(rs)abDiameter 9.5’ x 4.4’Constellation VirgoRight Ascension (2000) 12h 36m 49.9sDeclination (2000) + 13◦ 09’ 45”Magnitude 9.6 mag (V); 10.25 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.5 magDistance 31 Mio. LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1781)Other names NGC 4569, Arp 76

Picture see M 87.

2.91 Galaxy M 91

M 91 is a barred spiral galaxy in the Virgo cluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type SB(rs)bDiameter 5.4’ x 4.3’Constellation Coma BerenicesRight Ascension (2000) 12h 35m 27.2sDeclination (2000) + 14◦ 29’ 48”Magnitude 10.4 mag (V); 10.98 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.6 magDistance 53 Mio. LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1781)Other names NGC 4548, h 1345

Picture see M 88.


M 92 is a fine globular cluster in the constellation Hercules.



Object Globular clusterObject Type IVDiameter 14’Constellation HerculesRight Ascension (2000) 17h 17m 07.3sDeclination (2000) + 43◦ 08’ 13”Magnitude 6.50 mag (V)Surface brightness 11.8 magStars Stars up to 12.0 magDistance 27000 LYDiscovered by Johann Elert Bode (1777)Other names NGC 6341, GCL 59


2.93. M 93 165



M 93 is a very nice open cluster in the constellation Puppis.


Object Open clusterObject Type I 3 rDiameter 22’Constellation PuppisRight Ascension (2000) 07h 44m 29.2sDeclination (2000) - 23◦ 51’ 11”


Magnitude 6.2 mag (V)Stars Stars up to 8.1 magDistance 3400 LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1781)Other names NGC 2447, OCL 649, h 3098


2.94. M 94 167


2.94 Galaxy M 94

M 94 is a galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici and belongs - like M 106 - to the Canes Venatici-I-Cluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type (R)SA(r)abDiameter 11.2’ x 9.1’Constellation Canes Venatici


Right Ascension (2000) 12h 50m 53.0sDeclination (2000) + 41◦ 07’ 12”Magnitude 8.0 mag (V); 8.90 mag (B)Surface brightness 12.9 magDistance 17 Mio. LYDiscovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1781)Other names NGC 4736, h 1456


2.95. M 95 169


2.95 Galaxy M 95

M 95 is a barred spiral galaxy in the Leo-I-Cluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type SB(r)bDiameter 7.4’ x 5.0’Constellation LeoRight Ascension (2000) 10h 43m 57.7sDeclination (2000) + 11◦ 42’ 13”


Magnitude 10.0 mag (V); 10.54 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.8 magDistance 33 Mio. LYDiscovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1781)Other names NGC 3351, h 743

Picture see M 96.

2.96 Galaxy M 96

M 96 is a galaxy of the Leo-I-Cluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type SAB(rs)abDiameter 7.6’ x 5.2’Constellation LeoRight Ascension (2000) 10h 46m 45.9sDeclination (2000) + 11◦ 49’ 25”Magnitude 9.3 mag (V); 10.11 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.1 magDistance 34 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 96 SN 1998bu (11.7 mag; Object Type Ia)Discovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1781)Other names NGC 3368, h 749

2.96. M 96 171




2.97 Planetary Nebula M 97 (Owl Nebula)

M 97 is the most distant planetary nebula of the Messier catalogue. Also, M 97 is the youngest of the 4planetary nebulae of the Messier catalogue. M 108 is a galaxy located next to M 97.


Object Planetary NebulaObject Type 3aDiameter 2.83’Constellation Ursa MaiorRight Ascension (2000) 11h 14m 47.7s

2.97. M 97 (OWL NEBULA) 173

Declination (2000) + 55◦ 01’ 08”Magnitude 9.9 mag (V); 12.0 mag (B)Central Star Magnitude 15.9 magDistance 4100 LYDiscovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1781)Other names NGC 3587, PK148+57.1, h 838




2.98 Galaxy M 98

M 98 is a galaxy of the Virgo cluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type SAB(s)ab IIDiameter 9.8’ x 2.8’Constellation Coma BerenicesRight Ascension (2000) 12h 13m 48.2sDeclination (2000) + 14◦ 54’ 00”

2.99. M 99 175


Picture see M 99.

2.99 Galaxy M 99

M 99 is a nice galaxy of the Virgo cluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type SA(s)c IDiameter 5.4’ x 4.7’Constellation Coma BerenicesRight Ascension (2000) 12h 18m 49.6sDeclination (2000) + 14◦ 25’ 01”Magnitude 9.7 mag (V); 10.43 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.0 magDistance 53 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 99 SN 1967H (14.6 mag)

SN 1972Q (15.8 mag)SN 1986I (14 mag; Object Type II)

Discovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1781)Other names NGC 4254, h 1173



2.100. M 100 177


2.100 Galaxy M 100

The galaxy M 100 is part of the Virgo cluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type SAB(s)bc IDiameter 7.5’ x 6.1’Constellation Coma BerenicesRight Ascension (2000) 12h 22m 54.9sDeclination (2000) + 15◦ 49’ 21”


Magnitude 9.7 mag (V); 10.11 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.8 magDistance 50 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 100 SN 1901B (15.6 mag)

SN 1914A (15.7 mag)SN 1959E (17.5 mag)SN 1979C (11.6 mag; Object Type II-L)SN 2006X (13.8 mag; Object Type Ia)


Picture see M 99.

2.101 Galaxy M 101

M 101 is a fine galaxy in the constellation Ursa Maior. Details are even visible using a 200mm-tele-lense.


Object GalaxyObject Type SAB(rs)cdDiameter 28.8’ x 26.9’Constellation Ursa MaiorRight Ascension (2000) 14h 03m 12.4sDeclination (2000) + 54◦ 20’ 55”Magnitude 7.5 mag (V); 8.16 mag (B)Surface brightness 14.6 magDistance 22 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 101 SN 1909A (12.2 mag)

SN 1951H (17.5 mag)SN 1970G (11.5 mag; Object Type II)


2.101. M 101 179




2.102 Galaxy M 102

M 102 is a small galaxy, which belongs to the M 102 - Galaxy Cluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type LA0+spDiameter 4.7’ x 1.9’Constellation DracoRight Ascension (2000) 15h 06m 29.3sDeclination (2000) + 55◦ 45’ 47”

2.102. M 102 181






M 103 ist a very nice open cluster in th constellation Cassiopeia. Although it is very small, it is aninteresting object for a 200mm-tele-lense, since there are several other deep sky objects in the field.


Object Open clusterObject Type III 2 pDiameter 6’Constellation Cassiopeia

2.103. M 103 183

Right Ascension (2000) 01h 33m 23.0sDeclination (2000) + 60◦ 39’ 00”Magnitude 7.4 mag (V)Stars 100 stars up to 7.2 magDistance 7200 LYDiscovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1781)Other names NGC 581, OCL 326. h 126




2.104 Galaxy M 104 (Sombrero Galaxy)

M 104 is the very famous Sombrero Galaxy, which belongs to the Virgo cluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type SA(s)a spDiameter 8.7’ x 3.5’Constellation VirgoRight Ascension (2000) 12h 39m 59.4sDeclination (2000) - 11◦ 37’ 23”

2.104. M 104 (SOMBRERO GALAXY) 185






M 105 is an elliptical galaxy very close to M 95 and M 96 in the constellation Leo. M 105 is part of theLeo-I-Galaxy-Cluster.


Object Elliptical GalaxyObject Type E1Diameter 5.4’ x 4.8’Constellation LeoRight Ascension (2000) 10h 47m 49.7s

2.106. M 106 187

Declination (2000) + 12◦ 34’ 53”Magnitude 9.4 mag (V); 10.20 mag (B)Surface brightness 12.9 magDistance 38 Mio. LYDiscovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1781)Other names NGC 3379, h 757

Picture see M 96.

2.106 Galaxy M 106

M 106 is a galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici and belongs - like M 94 - to the Canes Venatici-I-Cluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type SAB(s)bc IIDiameter 18.6’ x 7.2’Constellation Canes VenaticiRight Ascension (2000) 12h 18m 57.5sDeclination (2000) + 47◦ 18’ 15”Magnitude 8.7 mag (V); 9.01 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.9 magDistance 26 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 106 SN 1981K (16 mag; Object Type II)Discovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1781)Other names NGC 4258, h 1175



2.107. M 107 189



M 107 is a small globular cluster in the constellation Ophiuchus.


Object Globular clusterObject Type XDiameter 10’Constellation OphiuchusRight Ascension (2000) 16h 32m 31.9sDeclination (2000) - 13◦ 03’ 10”


Magnitude 7.8 mag (V)Stars Stars up to 13 magDistance 27000 LYDiscovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1782)Other names NGC 6171, GCL 44, h 3637


2.108. M 108 191


2.108 Galaxy M 108

M 108 is a galaxy of the Ursa-Maior-Galaxy-Cluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type SB(s)cd spDiameter 8.7’ x 2.2’Constellation Ursa MaiorRight Ascension (2000) 11h 11m 31.2sDeclination (2000) + 55◦ 40’ 24”


Magnitude 10.2 mag (V); 10.71 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.3 magDistance 46 Mio. LYSupernovae in M 108 SN 1969B (16 mag)Discovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1781)Other names NGC 3556, h 831

Picture see M 97.

2.109 Galaxy M 109

M 109 is a galaxy of the Ursa-Maior-Galaxy-Cluster.


Object GalaxyObject Type SB(rs)bcDiameter 7.6’ x 4.7’Constellation Ursa MaiorRight Ascension (2000) 11h 57m 36.0sDeclination (2000) + 53◦ 23’ 28”Magnitude 9.9 mag (V); 10.64 mag (B)Surface brightness 13.7 magDistance 68 Mio. LYRadialgeschwindigkeit 1.059 km/sSupernovae in M 109 SN 1956A (12.3 mag; Object Type Ia)Discovered by Pierre Francois Andre Mechain (1781)Other names NGC 3992, h 1030

2.109. M 109 193





M 110 is a member of the local group of galaxies and next to M 31.


Object Elliptical GalaxyObject Type E5 pDiameter 21.9’ x 11.0’Constellation AndromedaRight Ascension (2000) 00h 40m 21.9sDeclination (2000) +41◦ 41’ 26”

2.110. M 110 195

Magnitude 8.2 mag (V); 8.83 mag (B)Surface brightness 14.1 magDistance 2.6 Mio. LYDiscovered by Charles Messier (1773)Other names NGC 205, h 44

Picture see M 31.

Documents

Messier-Catalogue-BRT-V1-0