I finally got my copy of Stephen James O'Meara's The Caldwell Objects. I
think those of you that ordered through Sky publishing received yours a few
weeks ago, (I went the cheaper route with amazon.com).

I found two surprises I didn't expect. First our local astro-photographer of
note, (Preston) Scott Justis has about a dozen photo credits in the book.
(Scott is a former BBAA member and is still a member of NAS). And second,
the book contains a short biography of Sir William Herschel by Larry
Mitchell.

Its surprising to me that there is so little information in print about this
most prolific of astronomers (Sir William) and I am pleased to have this bio.
Larry Mitchell, by the way is a rather prolific observer in his own right.
If you own and use Megastar, you may be surprised to find that the MAC
galaxies that populate so many of the charts are "Mitchell Anonymous Catalog"
objects. Larry has also observed all of Herschel's discoveries.

The Caldwell list itself contains many of my (and yours I'll bet) personal
favorites outside of the Messier list. Of the 109 objects, only the first 70
or so are observable from this latitude (and that is all you need to observe
to earn a "Caldwell certificate" from the Astronomical League). If you are
looking for a "list" to work on after the Messier list, this would be a great
choice. And even if you are not, you might still enjoy this book. And I can
promise you plenty of cloudy nights in which to read it.

Ted

In a message dated 3/4/03 2:40:45 PM Eastern Standard Time,
robschonk@... writes:

<< I picked up a few really good observing tips that I was
going to share at Thursday's meeting. I was also going to bring the book in
for show and tell. >>

Oh that's a good idea. And as you said, its nearly twice the size of
O'Meara's Messier book ... I'm glad they didn't charge by the pound!

The list, by the way, is not without controversy. Many prominent amateurs
were (and are) less than receptive, accusing Sir Patrick of just about
everything from plagiarism to presumption ... how dare he claim some of the
best known showpieces in the sky as his own? But I think, taken in the
context that it was offered; as an observing list of merit, it is a wonderful
collection of objects. And O'Meara's additional 20 objects almost make up
for the 30-odd Caldwells that we can't reach from here.

Ted

Ted,

I got mine about 3 weeks ago from Barnes & Noble. I think Bruce got one before Christmas from the S&T website.

It's really a great book. About twice as long as O'Meara's book on the Messier objects. I picked up a few really good observing tips that I was going to share at Thursday's meeting. I was also going to bring the book in for show and tell.

I'm just getting started on the list now. I feel a bit more inclined to work on a list from a Brit rather than a Froggie......

Rob






From: twforte@...
Reply-To: backbayastro@...
To: backbayastro@...
Subject: [backbayastro] The Caldwell Objects
Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2003 13:58:26 EST

I finally got my copy of Stephen James O'Meara's The Caldwell Objects. I
think those of you that ordered through Sky publishing received yours a few
weeks ago, (I went the cheaper route with amazon.com).

I found two surprises I didn't expect. First our local astro-photographer of
note, (Preston) Scott Justis has about a dozen photo credits in the book.
(Scott is a former BBAA member and is still a member of NAS). And second,
the book contains a short biography of Sir William Herschel by Larry
Mitchell.

Its surprising to me that there is so little information in print about this
most prolific of astronomers (Sir William) and I am pleased to have this bio.
Larry Mitchell, by the way is a rather prolific observer in his own right.
If you own and use Megastar, you may be surprised to find that the MAC
galaxies that populate so many of the charts are "Mitchell Anonymous Catalog"
objects. Larry has also observed all of Herschel's discoveries.

The Caldwell list itself contains many of my (and yours I'll bet) personal
favorites outside of the Messier list. Of the 109 objects, only the first 70
or so are observable from this latitude (and that is all you need to observe
to earn a "Caldwell certificate" from the Astronomical League). If you are
looking for a "list" to work on after the Messier list, this would be a great
choice. And even if you are not, you might still enjoy this book. And I can
promise you plenty of cloudy nights in which to read it.

Ted

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There is a lot of controversy as to why a primarily lunar observer would be chosen to choose a list of deep sky objects....

There are a few more excellent lists out there such as Phil Harrington's list, SAA 100, etc.

Most of these lists can be imported into Starry Night Pro and displayed.

Rob






From: twforte@...
Reply-To: backbayastro@...
To: backbayastro@...
Subject: Re: [backbayastro] The Caldwell Objects
Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2003 16:10:58 EST

Controversy?

I don't see why anyone couldn't make a list of their favorite 100, or 400, or 1000 objects.? It's a personal preference list, isn't it?? It's not like the lister discovered each of the objects and is trying to make a name for himself.

George

?Rob Schonk wrote:

There is a lot of controversy as to why a primarily lunar observer would be
chosen to choose a list of deep sky objects....

There are a few more excellent lists out there such as Phil Harrington's
list, SAA 100, etc.

Most of these lists can be imported into Starry Night Pro and displayed.

Rob






From: twforte@...
Reply-To: backbayastro@...
To: backbayastro@...
Subject: Re: [backbayastro] The Caldwell Objects
Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2003 16:10:58 EST

In a message dated 3/4/03 2:40:45 PM Eastern Standard Time,
robschonk@... writes:

<< I picked up a few really good observing tips that I was
? going to share at Thursday's meeting.? I was also going to bring the book
in
? for show and tell. >>

Oh that's a good idea.? And as you said, its nearly twice the size of
O'Meara's Messier book ... I'm glad they didn't charge by the pound!

The list, by the way, is not without controversy.? Many prominent amateurs
were (and are) less than receptive, accusing Sir Patrick of just about
everything from plagiarism to presumption ... how dare he claim some of the
best known showpieces in the sky as his own?? But I think, taken in the
context that it was offered; as an observing list of merit, it is a
wonderful
collection of objects.? And O'Meara's additional 20 objects almost make up
for the 30-odd Caldwells that we can't reach from here.

Ted


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George Reynolds, Deputy Commander, Tidewater South Section Royal Rangers

Visit my Web page:? ?

"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia

?Member, Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?

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- Powerful. Affordable.

In a message dated 3/5/2003 6:20:29 AM Eastern Standard Time, "Rob Schonk" <robschonk@...> writes:

There is a lot of controversy as to why a primarily lunar observer would be
chosen to choose a list of deep sky objects....

I don't think he was "Chosen." I think he sent this list, unsolicited, to Sky & Telescope as a bit of a lark. He was as surprised as anyone that it even got printed, and more surprised than most that it caught on.

Ted

In a message dated 3/5/2003 9:27:21 AM Eastern Standard Time, George Reynolds <pathfinder027@...> writes:

Controversy?
I don't see why anyone couldn't make a list of their favorite 100, or 400, or 1000 objects. ???It's a personal preference list, isn't it? ???It's not like the lister discovered each of the objects and is trying to make a name for himself.
George

Of course. I think the "controversy" stems from the assignment of "Caldwell Numbers" to these well established and very well known objects. (Most of which were discovered by Herschel by the way). Its a tempest in a teapot really. Its just a good observing program of some fine objects.

And as is pointed out in the book, herschel himself was primarily a "planetary observer", yet he discovered more than 2500 deep sky objects. And it is also pointed out that the author of the book, O'Meara is a bit of a shallow sky guy as well. So the lines are pretty blurred.

Ted

>
>I don't think he was "Chosen." I think he sent this list, >unsolicited, to Sky & Telescope as a bit of a lark.? He was >as surprised as anyone that it even got printed, and more >surprised than most that it caught on.

You're right, Ted.? In fact, if one goes to the "Caldwell Club" page on the Astonomical League Web site (), they show this letter from Sir Patrick himself.

A Letter from Sir Patrick Moore

SIR PATRICK MOORE CBE DSc (Hon) FRAS

Farthings
West Street
Selsey
England

The idea of the Caldwell Catalogue came to me one night, after I had been observing the Moon (my own subject) and had looked casually at the Perseus Sword-Handle. This has no Messier number. (Messier catalogued nebulae as 'objects to avoid' during his comet searches, and in any case limited himself to the northern part of the sky.) There are many Messier clubs. Why not draw up a catalogue of bright nebular objects omitted by Messier?

I did so - and more or less on the spur of the moment, sent it off to Sky and Telescope. To my surprise it caught on, and by now everyone seems to use the Caldwell numbers. I could not use M numbers, because Messier and Moore begin with M - but my proper name is hyphenated (Caldwell-Moore), so I used C.

All the Caldwell objects are within range of modest equipment. They are arranged in declinations, so that to survey them all means some travel - but that is not a problem nowadays.

Why not try a Caldwell competition? This is not a difficult matter - and here is the list; try it and see how many of the C objects you can locate. I wonder who will be the first observer to win a Caldwell Certificate?

I wish you luck, and clear skies!

PATRICK MOORE

**

BTW, Caldwell Club certificate number 1 was appropriately awarded to Sir Patrick Moore.

-- George '3'

?twforte@... wrote:

In a message dated 3/5/2003 6:20:29 AM Eastern Standard Time, "Rob Schonk" writes:

>There is a lot of controversy as to why a primarily lunar observer would be
>chosen to choose a list of deep sky objects....
>
I don't think he was "Chosen." I think he sent this list, unsolicited, to Sky & Telescope as a bit of a lark.? He was as surprised as anyone that it even got printed, and more surprised than most that it caught on.

Ted


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George Reynolds, Deputy Commander, Tidewater South Section Royal Rangers

Visit my Web page:? ?

"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia

?Member, Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?

---

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开云体育

Dale,

I want 20 books!? My $100 check is in the mail.? (E-mail, that is!)?

G3

?Dale Carey wrote:

FOR SALE

Dale Carey's "chosen list"

?

??? ??? THE 5 MOST OBSERVED OBJECTS IN THE NIGHT SKY

1.????MOON???

2.??? JUPITER

3.??? SATURN

4.??? ORION NEBULA

5.??? ? observers choice

?

You can buy this book by e-mailing me and I will download this list to you. &5.00

Thank

you

DC

?

?

----- Original Message -----

From: George Reynolds

To: backbayastro@...

Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2003 11:02 AM

Subject: Re: [backbayastro] The Caldwell Objects

>
>I don't think he was "Chosen." I think he sent this list, >unsolicited, to Sky & Telescope as a bit of a lark.? He was >as surprised as anyone that it even got printed, and more >surprised than most that it caught on.

You're right, Ted.? In fact, if one goes to the "Caldwell Club" page on the Astonomical League Web site (), they show this letter from Sir Patrick himself.

A Letter from Sir Patrick Moore

SIR PATRICK MOORE CBE DSc (Hon) FRAS

Farthings
West Street
Selsey
England

The idea of the Caldwell Catalogue came to me one night, after I had been observing the Moon (my own subject) and had looked casually at the Perseus Sword-Handle. This has no Messier number. (Messier catalogued nebulae as 'objects to avoid' during his comet searches, and in any case limited himself to the northern part of the sky.) There are many Messier clubs. Why not draw up a catalogue of bright nebular objects omitted by Messier?

I did so - and more or less on the spur of the moment, sent it off to Sky and Telescope. To my surprise it caught on, and by now everyone seems to use the Caldwell numbers. I could not use M numbers, because Messier and Moore begin with M - but my proper name is hyphenated (Caldwell-Moore), so I used C.

All the Caldwell objects are within range of modest equipment. They are arranged in declinations, so that to survey them all means some travel - but that is not a problem nowadays.

Why not try a Caldwell competition? This is not a difficult matter - and here is the list; try it and see how many of the C objects you can locate. I wonder who will be the first observer to win a Caldwell Certificate?

I wish you luck, and clear skies!

PATRICK MOORE

**

BTW, Caldwell Club certificate number 1 was appropriately awarded to Sir Patrick Moore.

-- George '3'

?twforte@... wrote:

In a message dated 3/5/2003 6:20:29 AM Eastern Standard Time, "Rob Schonk" writes:

>There is a lot of controversy as to why a primarily lunar observer would be
>chosen to choose a list of deep sky objects....
>
I don't think he was "Chosen." I think he sent this list, unsolicited, to Sky & Telescope as a bit of a lark.? He was as surprised as anyone that it even got printed, and more surprised than most that it caught on.

Ted


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backbayastro-unsubscribe@...



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George Reynolds, Deputy Commander, Tidewater South Section Royal Rangers

Visit my Web page:? ?

"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia

?Member, Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?

---

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- Powerful. Affordable.

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George Reynolds, Deputy Commander, Tidewater South Section Royal Rangers

Visit my Web page:? ?

"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia

?Member, Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?

---

Do you Yahoo!?
- Powerful. Affordable.

My new award:

1) Observe the Double Cluster.

2) Note that you can see at least 110 stars.

3) Send me a letter to that effect.

4) Enclose a check for $20.

You will receive a beautiful personalized certificate signed by me.

Rob



From: George Reynolds <pathfinder027@...>
Reply-To: backbayastro@...
To: backbayastro@...
Subject: Re: [backbayastro] The Caldwell Objects
Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2003 08:40:23 -0800 (PST)


Dale,
I want 20 books! My $100 check is in the mail. (E-mail, that is!)

G3

Rob,

What will you call it?? The "Schonk Certificate"?

Or will it be "Skyway ROBbery"?

G3

?Rob Schonk wrote:

My new award:

1) Observe the Double Cluster.

2) Note that you can see at least 110 stars.

3) Send me a letter to that effect.

4) Enclose a check for $20.

You will receive a beautiful personalized certificate signed by me.

Rob



From: George Reynolds
Reply-To: backbayastro@...
To: backbayastro@...
Subject: Re: [backbayastro] The Caldwell Objects
Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2003 08:40:23 -0800 (PST)


Dale,
I want 20 books!? My $100 check is in the mail.? (E-mail, that is!)

G3

? Dale Carey wrote:FOR SALEDale Carey's "chosen list"???
????? THE 5 MOST OBSERVED OBJECTS IN THE NIGHT SKY1.??? MOON??? 2.???
JUPITER3.??? SATURN4.??? ORION NEBULA5.??? ? observers choice You can buy
this book by e-mailing me and I will download this list to you.
&5.00ThankyouDC?? ----- Original Message ----- From: George Reynolds To:
backbayastro@... Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2003 11:02
AMSubject: Re: [backbayastro] The Caldwell Objects

>
>I don't think he was "Chosen." I think he sent this list, >unsolicited, to
Sky & Telescope as a bit of a lark.? He was >as surprised as anyone that it
even got printed, and more >surprised than most that it caught on.

You're right, Ted.? In fact, if one goes to the "Caldwell Club" page on the
Astonomical League Web site
( they show this
letter from Sir Patrick himself.
A Letter from Sir Patrick Moore
SIR PATRICK MOORE CBE DSc (Hon) FRAS

Farthings
West Street
Selsey
England

The idea of the Caldwell Catalogue came to me one night, after I had been
observing the Moon (my own subject) and had looked casually at the Perseus
Sword-Handle. This has no Messier number. (Messier catalogued nebulae as
'objects to avoid' during his comet searches, and in any case limited
himself to the northern part of the sky.) There are many Messier clubs. Why
not draw up a catalogue of bright nebular objects omitted by Messier?

I did so - and more or less on the spur of the moment, sent it off to Sky
and Telescope. To my surprise it caught on, and by now everyone seems to use
the Caldwell numbers. I could not use M numbers, because Messier and Moore
begin with M - but my proper name is hyphenated (Caldwell-Moore), so I used
C.

All the Caldwell objects are within range of modest equipment. They are
arranged in declinations, so that to survey them all means some travel - but
that is not a problem nowadays.

Why not try a Caldwell competition? This is not a difficult matter - and
here is the list; try it and see how many of the C objects you can locate. I
wonder who will be the first observer to win a Caldwell Certificate?

I wish you luck, and clear skies!

PATRICK MOORE



**
BTW, Caldwell Club certificate number 1 was appropriately awarded to Sir
Patrick Moore.
-- George '3'
? twforte@... wrote: In a message dated 3/5/2003 6:20:29 AM Eastern
Standard Time, "Rob Schonk" writes:

>There is a lot of controversy as to why a primarily lunar observer would
be
>chosen to choose a list of deep sky objects....
>
I don't think he was "Chosen." I think he sent this list, unsolicited, to
Sky & Telescope as a bit of a lark.? He was as surprised as anyone that it
even got printed, and more surprised than most that it caught on.

Ted


To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
backbayastro-unsubscribe@...



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



George Reynolds, Deputy Commander, Tidewater South Section Royal Rangers

Visit my Web page:?

"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia

? Member, Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?




---------------------------------
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? Member, Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?




---------------------------------
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George Reynolds, Deputy Commander, Tidewater South Section Royal Rangers

Visit my Web page:? ?

"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia

?Member, Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?

---

Do you Yahoo!?
- Powerful. Affordable.

开云体育

U so smoooooth..... now I know why we elected u Prez.... :-}

Denice

-----Original Message-----
From: Rob Schonk [mailto:robschonk@...]
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2003 1:59 PM
To: backbayastro@...
Subject: Re: [backbayastro] The Caldwell Objects


My new award:

1) Observe the Double Cluster.

2) Note that you can see at least 110 stars.

3) Send me a letter to that effect.

4) Enclose a check for $20.

You will receive a beautiful personalized certificate signed by me.

Rob



From: George Reynolds <pathfinder027@...>
Reply-To: backbayastro@...
To: backbayastro@...
Subject: Re: [backbayastro] The Caldwell Objects
Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2003 08:40:23 -0800 (PST)


Dale,
I want 20 books! My $100 check is in the mail. (E-mail, that is!)

G3

Dale Carey <stargaz@...> wrote:FOR SALEDale Carey's "chosen list"

THE 5 MOST OBSERVED OBJECTS IN THE NIGHT SKY1. MOON 2.
JUPITER3. SATURN4. ORION NEBULA5. ? observers choice You can buy
this book by e-mailing me and I will download this list to you.
&5.00ThankyouDC ----- Original Message ----- From: George Reynolds To:
backbayastro@... Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2003 11:02
AMSubject: Re: [backbayastro] The Caldwell Objects

>
>I don't think he was "Chosen." I think he sent this list, >unsolicited, to

Sky & Telescope as a bit of a lark. He was >as surprised as anyone that it
even got printed, and more >surprised than most that it caught on.

You're right, Ted. In fact, if one goes to the "Caldwell Club" page on the
Astonomical League Web site
(), they show this

letter from Sir Patrick himself.
A Letter from Sir Patrick Moore
SIR PATRICK MOORE CBE DSc (Hon) FRAS

Farthings
West Street
Selsey
England

The idea of the Caldwell Catalogue came to me one night, after I had been
observing the Moon (my own subject) and had looked casually at the Perseus
Sword-Handle. This has no Messier number. (Messier catalogued nebulae as
'objects to avoid' during his comet searches, and in any case limited
himself to the northern part of the sky.) There are many Messier clubs. Why
not draw up a catalogue of bright nebular objects omitted by Messier?

I did so - and more or less on the spur of the moment, sent it off to Sky
and Telescope. To my surprise it caught on, and by now everyone seems to use

the Caldwell numbers. I could not use M numbers, because Messier and Moore
begin with M - but my proper name is hyphenated (Caldwell-Moore), so I used
C.

All the Caldwell objects are within range of modest equipment. They are
arranged in declinations, so that to survey them all means some travel - but

that is not a problem nowadays.

Why not try a Caldwell competition? This is not a difficult matter - and
here is the list; try it and see how many of the C objects you can locate. I

wonder who will be the first observer to win a Caldwell Certificate?

I wish you luck, and clear skies!

PATRICK MOORE



**
BTW, Caldwell Club certificate number 1 was appropriately awarded to Sir
Patrick Moore.
-- George '3'
twforte@... wrote: In a message dated 3/5/2003 6:20:29 AM Eastern
Standard Time, "Rob Schonk" <robschonk@...> writes:

>There is a lot of controversy as to why a primarily lunar observer would
be
>chosen to choose a list of deep sky objects....
>
I don't think he was "Chosen." I think he sent this list, unsolicited, to
Sky & Telescope as a bit of a lark. He was as surprised as anyone that it
even got printed, and more surprised than most that it caught on.

Ted


To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
backbayastro-unsubscribe@...



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



George Reynolds, Deputy Commander, Tidewater South Section Royal Rangers

Visit my Web page:

"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia

Member, Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)




---------------------------------
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Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now

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Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT

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Visit my Web page:

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