The Complete Guide to the Herschel Objects
Sir William Herschel's Star Clusters, Nebulae and Galaxies

Provides a complete re-examination of Herschel's entire catalogue; a must-have for amateur astronomers seeking new and exciting observing challenges.

Mark Bratton (Author)

9780521768924, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 15 September 2011

592 pages, 600 b/w illus.
25.2 x 19.5 x 3 cm, 1.4 kg

'… the catalogue of objects is a magnificent achievement that would have delighted William (and Caroline) Herschel.' Michael Hoskin, Journal for the History of Astronomy

Sir William Herschel's contributions to astronomy during the late eighteenth century are unrivalled. His lasting legacy is his dedicated all-sky survey of star clusters and nebulae, and these objects continue to be among the most studied in the night sky. This unique book provides a complete re-examination of Herschel's entire catalogue of non-stellar discoveries, making it the most accurate and up-to-date reference of its kind. Retrace the footsteps of one of history's greatest astronomers and explore every one of Herschel's landmark discoveries, including those considered to be lost or non-existent. Read detailed notes about each object's appearance and physical characteristics, and view hundreds of photos of the most intriguing Herschel objects, along with dozens of sketches of what is visible at the eyepiece. This superb book is a must-have for amateur astronomers seeking new and exciting observing challenges, and as the ultimate reference on the Herschel objects.

Introduction
1. The telescope maker
2. The deep sky before Herschel
3. Surveyor of the skies
4. The Herschel catalogue
General references
Index.

Subject Areas: Astronomy, space & time [PG], Mathematics & science [P]