Messier Objects

Messier objects are a catalog of astronomical objects, compiled by the French astronomer Charles Messier in the 18th century. This list contains 110 objects, including galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae, primarily to help astronomers distinguish between these permanent objects and comets, which are transient. Messier objects are often popular targets for amateur astronomers and are designated with the letter "M" followed by a number, like M31 for the Andromeda Galaxy. They serve as a guide for observing some of the most interesting and visually striking features of the night sky.