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Deep-sky object

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Several nebulae in the constellation Orion commonly called deep-sky objects

Deep-sky objects are astronomical objects other than individual stars and solar system objects (such as Sun, Moon, planets, comets, etc.).[1][2] The classification is used for the most part by amateur astronomers to denote visually observed faint naked eye and telescopic objects such as star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.

Origins and classification

Classifying non-stellar astronomical objects began soon after the invention of the telescope.[3] One of the earliest comprehensive lists was Charles Messier's 1774 Messier catalog, which included 103 "nebulae" and other faint fuzzy objects he considered a nuisance since they could be mistaken for comets, the objects he was actually searching for.[4] As telescopes improved these faint nebulae would be broken into more descriptive scientific classifications such as interstellar clouds, star clusters, and galaxies.

"Deep-sky object", as an astronomical classification for these objects, has its origins in the modern field of amateur astronomy. The origin of the term is unknown but it was popularized by Sky & Telescope magazine's "Deep-Sky Wonders" column, which premiered in their first edition in 1941,[5] created by Leland S. Copeland, written for the majority of its run by Walter Scott Houston, and currently penned by Sue French. Houston's columns, and later book compilations of those columns, helped popularize the term,[6] each month giving the reader a guided tour of a small part of the sky highlighting well known and lesser known objects for binoculars and small telescopes.

Observations and activities

Map of the constellation Cygnus marking the location of bright and more challenging deep-sky objects

There are many amateur astronomical techniques and activities associated with deep-sky objects. Some of these objects are bright enough to find and see in binoculars and small telescopes. But the most fainter objects need the light-gathering power of telescopes with large objectives,[7] and since they are invisible to the naked eye, can be hard to find. This has led to increased popularity in GoTo telescopes that can find DSOs automatically, and large reflecting telescopes, such as Dobsonian style telescopes, with wide fields of view well suited for such observing.[8] Observing faint objects needs dark skies, so these relatively portable types of telescopes also lend themselves to the majority of amateurs who need to travel outside light polluted urban locations.[9] To cut down light pollution and enhance contrast observers employ "nebular filters" designed to admit certain wavelength and block others.

There are organized activities associated with DSOs such as the Messier marathon which occurs at a specific time each year and involve observers trying to spot all 110 Messier objects in one night. Since the Messier catalog objects were discovered with relatively small 18th century telescopes it is a popular list with observers, being well within the grasp of most modern amateur telescopes. A much more demanding test known as the Herschel 400 is designed to tax larger telescopes and experienced amateur astronomers.

List of deep-sky objects

There are many astronomical object types that come under the description of deep-sky objects. Since the definition is objects that are non-solar system and non-stellar the list includes:[10]

See also

References

  1. ^ Fred Schaaf, 40 nights to knowing the sky: a night-by-night skywatching primer, page 113
  2. ^ Ian Ridpath, The illustrated encyclopedia of the universe, page 273
  3. ^ Rocky Kolb, Blind watchers of the sky, page 174
  4. ^ Rocky Kolb, Blind watchers of the sky, page 174
  5. ^ Sky and telescope, Volumes 1-2
  6. ^ Fred Schaaf, 40 nights to knowing the sky: a night-by-night skywatching primer, page 13
  7. ^ Grant Privett, Paul Parsons, The deep-sky observer's year, page 11
  8. ^ Rajiv Gupta, Observer's Handbook 2005, page 73
  9. ^ The Observer's Handbook, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, p. 63
  10. ^ W. H. Finlay, Concise catalog of deep-sky objects, introduction
  • Neil Bone, Wil Tirion, Deep Sky Observer's Guide. Firefly Books, 2005. ISBN 1-55407-024-4.
  • Jess K. Gilmour, The practical astronomer's deep-sky companion. Springer, 2003. ISBN 1-85233-474-6.
  • Jack Newton, Philip Teece. The Guide to Amateur Astronomy. Cambridge University Press, 1995. ISBN 0-521-44492-6.
  • W. H. Finlay, Concise Catalog of Deep-sky Objects: Astrophysical Information for 500 Galaxies, Clusters and Nebulae. London: Springer, 2003. ISBN 1-85233-691-9. Includes the Messier objects, Herschel 400 & more.
  • Roger Nelson Clark, Visual astronomy of the deep sky. CUP Archive, 1990. ISBN 0-521-36155-9.

Further reading

  • Burnham's Celestial Handbook by Robert Burnham, Jr. (Volume One, Volume Two, Volume Three at Google Books)
  • Deep Sky Observer's Guide by Neil Bone, Wil Tirion. Firefly Books, 2005. ISBN 1-55407-024-4.
  • The practical astronomer's deep-sky companion by Jess K. Gilmour. Springer, 2003. ISBN 1-85233-474-6.
  • Concise Catalog of Deep-sky Objects: Astrophysical Information for 500 Galaxies, Clusters and Nebulae by W. H. Finlay. London: Springer, 2003. ISBN 1-85233-691-9. Includes the Messier objects, Herschel 400 & more
  • Visual astronomy of the deep sky by Roger Nelson Clark. CUP Archive, 1990. ISBN 0-521-36155-9.
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