Deep-Sky Companions: The Messier Objects

An excellent resource, with vivid descriptions of the Messier objects, as well as useful finder charts. O'Meara's writing style is a joy, and his sketches of the objects are charming. The book is a treasure trove of useful information. I wish I could deduct half a star though, for one noticeable flaw in this product. This is the Second Edition. The First Edition presumably included a complete star chart showing all the Messier objects dispersed among the various constellations, with said chart at the back of the book. The Second Edition repeatedly tells the reader to first locate an object "at the star chart in the back of the book", then use the detailed finder chart for the particular object (one chart provided per object, under the entry for the object), in order to hone in on it. However, there is no star chart at the back of the book in the Second Edition - only the detailed finder charts as given in the entry for each object! Not a fatal flaw, but a serious and annoying one. The book contains much useful history and information, and is certainly worth any stargazer's time and money, however. Almost perfect, except for the flaw described. Still, highly recommended.

Comprehensive guide

I recently completed with installation of East Africa's first dedicated, astronomical observatory and telescope with Astronomers Without Borders. As such, we brought a number of books to add to the growing library. The "Deep-Sky Companions" series is exactly what we needed to engage the budding amateur astronomers in Tanzania. Once the basics of RA, Dec, and magnitude were understood, they were able to use these books as guides much as we would an atlas for Earth-based geography, scanning the pages for those objects they can see from the equator at this time of year. When combined with Stellarium, these books are unbeatable as rapid references with ample information to bring the night sky to life.

A very comprehensive and well-written book about the 110 Deep-Sky objects identified by the French astronomer Messier. Very Good illustration ! This book is an excellent guidebook for the amateur astronomers and Skywatcher who is looking for these objects from the Sky. This is one of the best astronomical books which I have been read. Highly tecommeded !

Useful reference. I plan to buy more in this set. Could be improved with sky maps.

I had the privilege of having dinner with him and his wife last month. As I expected, I found James O'Meara to be a world-class observer and author. His insights and abilities are extraordinary. He is able to convey the nuances of celestial observing in a manner that is easy to understand. I have several of his books. They are all excellent. He is a regular columnist with Astronomy Magazine.

Book received is brand new. Great writing and this will be an excellent resource book. Just getting into astronomy with an intent to actually remember something, and this book will help me along.Good luck and all the best to all of you,LL

I am a very active amateur astronomer with 5" and 8" SCTs and access to a 10" Dob. Even though the Messier Catalog is just a small subset of the objects I observe, O'Meara is an engaging writer and I have reread all four of his books that I have many times. As a result, I wore out my first edition of this book to the point that the binding broke so I bought the second edition last year. The second edition corrects most of the errors in the first edition, although a couple slipped through.