Concise Catalog of Deep-sky Objects: Astrophysical Information for 500 Galaxies, Clusters and Nebulae

This compilation of data on deep-sky objects covers Messier objects, New General Catalogue objects and Index Catalogue objects. These are classified as galaxies, clusters and nebulae of which 500 individual objects are listed. Observing the deep-sky beyond the limits of the Solar System is by far the most popular speciality for amateur astronomers. Two major catalogs of deep-sky objects are widely used: Messier's catalogue of 109 objects and the New General Catalog (NGC) which contains thousands of objects. This catalog has entries for each of more than 500 deep-sky objects - all the Messier objects plus selected NGC objects. As well as the usual astronomical data they also detail physical factors, astrophysical information, evolution, ans unusual features. The objects are all listed in NGC order, which were originally assigned in approximate order of location from west to east, convenient for reference because objects that can be seen on a given night will occur within a few pages of each other in the book.