Here is a unique and fascinating reference book for every serious deep-sky observer! Entries for each of more than 500 deep-sky objects provide far more than the usual astronomical data - they also detail, in every case, the most interesting facts. Physical factors, astrophysical information, evolution, unusual features, the list is endless. 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. Astronomers can now get an insight into exactly what they are looking at, to add a new level of insight and enjoyment to deep-sky observing.
Introduction.- The Messier Objects.- NGC (New General Catalogue) Objects.- NGC 0-936.- NGC 1022-1999.- NGC 2022-2985.- NGC 3003-3998.- NGC 4026-4995.- NGC 5005-5982.- NGC 6093-6994.- NGC 7000-7814.- IC (Index Catalogue) Objects.- Index.
From the reviews: "This is the ideal reference book for the serious amateur ! who is ready to dip his toes in the waters of deep-sky astronomy. ! Eight types of deep-sky objects are included ! . there is a brief description of the object, with useful observing notes and other relevant items of information. ! All-in-all W H Finlay's Concise Catalog of Deep-Sky Objects is an excellent no-nonsense guide for the amateur observer who wishes to start exploring the less familiar reaches of the night-sky." (Brendon K Ward, Astronomy & Space, November, 2004) "The compilation made by the author is in fact very rich in information. ! Some 520 NGC objects are listed with all the meaningful data available from over a thousand different sources in the astronomical literature. Data are tabulated for each object ! . When available, additional data ! are also given. Some particular objects are provided with special charts. ! a valuable contribution to the amateur astronomical literature." (Noel Cramer, ORION - Zeitschrift der Schweizerischen Astronomischen Gesellschaft, Vol. 62 (321), 2004)