I have uploaded all 110 of my new TelRad(R) Messier Maps in Portable Document Format (PDF). They are a great graphical improvement over my first try several years ago, although the pdf version looses a little bit of clarity form the original. The large white map covers 25 degrees of sky and projects stars down to 6th magnitude, while the smaller black circle is representative of an average finder scope view in both field and magnitude. Be certain to read the "Introduction" pdf.
Enjoy these maps, use freely and let me know what you think.
Click on the group of maps you wish to view. Use your "Back Button" to return to this page.
M 1-10 | M 11-20 | M 21-30 | M 31-40 | M 41-50 | M 51-60 |
M 61-70 | M 71-80 | M 81-90 | M 91-100 | M 101-110 | Introduction |
Introduction and Acknowledgements
Every amateur astronomer, regardless of their level of expertise, will eventually find themselves observing many, if not all, of the objects covered in this book. Why would anyone want to observe the Messier Catalog? Well, simply put, they are 110 of some of the best examples of deep sky objects viewable from mid-northern latitudes. Another reason is that these objects are placed all over the northern hemisphere, allowing one to become acquainted with all of the northern constellations.
In the early 1990’s I began making Messier observations with the aid of a TelRad® zero-magnification device as my primary finder scope. I found the unit to be very useful, inexpensive and accurate, however, there was a real lack of maps available to use with the TelRad®. Being the resourceful person I am, I went to work making my own with the help of some shareware and the Windows® Paint® program. These maps were crude, but accurate, and I was able to complete my hunt with them satisfactorily.
However, this is the dawn of the new millennium and astronomy-mapping programs have come a long way in their evolution. I decided it was time to make another set of maps using up-to-date resources.
The maps in this book were prepared using two different Software packages:
MegaStar© and SkyMap Pro Ver. 5.0®
The information about each object on the map was derived from the Saguaro Astronomical Database, Ver. 6.
The internet played a big part in gathering information for use in this book. Sites used are:
Students for the Exploration and Development of Space
The internet is also where I gathered a very useful guide to observing the Messier Objects. It is the Twelve Month Tour of the Messier Catalog by A.J. Cecce.
The spreadsheets are compiled from a program called DeepSky99©.
I am grateful for the permission received to use these materials for educational purposes. Any sales of this book are for educational purposes only and any monies received go to cover the cost of printing and materials. I intend no profit to be made. The materials on these pages are free for your personal use.
As an amateur myself, I am simply trying to help others, especially beginners enjoy the hobby.
Each Messier Object has its own map page. The top map is a 25 0 view of the sky with a TelRad® marker in the place where one would find the object. This TelRad® marker can easily be adapted for use with any other zero-magnification finder such as the Orion EZ Finder® or the Rigel Quickfinder®.
The legend directly under the top map aids the observer in knowing the type of object marked, the magnitudes of the stars in the top map and the north, south, east and west orientation of both maps.
Notice that there is also a place for recording your observation of the object on the map. Doing so will not only make you eligible for the Astronomical League’s Messier Observing Club Certificate, but will, over time, sharpen and hone your observing skills.
Good Luck and Clear Skies to You!
Bill O’Donnell
Omaha Astronomical Society