Observing and Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters
From Herschel to Dreyer's New General Catalogue

This book is an important resource to all those interested in the history of modern astronomy and visual deep-sky observing.

Wolfgang Steinicke (Author)

9780521192675, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 August 2010

660 pages, 357 b/w illus. 238 tables
25.2 x 19.4 x 3.4 cm, 1.71 kg

'I will predict that it will become a standard reference for students of astronomical history ... For the true astro-history buff, it is a treasure chest that contains the history of the New General Catalogue in minute detail; the discovers, the catalogers, the observatories and the telescopes that built the catalog are all to be found between its covers. I found it a fascinating read.' Ted Forte, Back Bay Observer

The New General Catalogue (NCG), originally created in 1888, is the source for referencing bright nebulae and star clusters, both in professional and amateur astronomy. With 7840 entries, it is the most-used historical catalogue of observational astronomy, and NGC numbers are commonly used today. However, the fascinating history of the discovery, observation, description and cataloguing of nebulae and star clusters in the nineteenth century has largely gone untold, until now. This well-researched book is the first comprehensive historical study of the NGC, and is an important resource to all those with an interest in the history of modern astronomy and visual deep-sky observing. It covers the people, observatories, instruments and methods involved in nineteenth-century visual deep-sky observing, as well as prominent deep-sky objects. The book also compares the NGC to modern object data, demonstrating how important the NGC is in observational astronomy today.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. William Herschel's observations and parallel activities
3. John Herschel's Slough observations
4. Discoveries made in parallel with John Herschel's Slough
5. John Herschel at the Cape of Good Hope
6. The time after Herschel's observations till Auwers' list of new nebulae
7. Compiling the General Catalogue
8. Dreyer's first catalogue: the supplement to Herschel's General Catalogue
9. Compilation of the New General Catalogue 356
10. The New General Catalogue: publication, analysis and effects
11. Special topics
12. Summary
Appendices
Index.

Subject Areas: Popular astronomy & space [WNX], History of engineering & technology [TBX], Astronomy, space & time [PG], History of science [PDX]