Messier catalog

The Messier Catalog is a list of astronomical objects, primarily galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, compiled by French astronomer Charles Messier in the 18th century. Originally created to help comet hunters distinguish between comets and fixed objects, the catalog contains 110 entries, each designated by the letter "M" followed by a number (e.g., M31 for the Andromeda Galaxy). It remains a valuable resource for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers, offering a guide to some of the most interesting and easily observable celestial objects in the night sky.