Best book/DVD to learn about DSOs?

[Fordos Moon]

Afternoon Gazers!

I have a particular desire to learn about these magnificent fellas. Nothing beats observing them with my scopes but is there an information source (preferably not dependant on internet so I can take it on my travels) that has images and information about what is going on for each and every one?

[crashtestdummy]

Turn left at orion is a great starting point.enough said really

[Fordos Moon]

Yeah got that mate and agree its great was hoping to find out more about what they made up of, activity, when discovered etc

[DirkSteele]

Stephen James O’Meara is a phenomenally gifted observer who has written a number of deep sky observing companion books including the Messier and Caldwell Catalogues. He uses an older 4” Televue Genesis refractor and what he is able to see visually is remarkable. The books do contain some description of what it is you are looking at as well as detailed drawings and photos. His writing style is not to everyone’s taste, but I enjoy them and have purchased four of them.

Here are the first two published in the series.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Deep-Sky-Companions-The-Messier-Objects/dp/0521553326/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1358446108&sr=8-7

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Deep-Sky-Companions-The-Caldwell-Objects/dp/0521827965/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1358446108&sr=8-13

[bomberbaz]

if you want something for free try these two. They re free and erm, well its free

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ngc_objects

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier_objects

I use this in conjunction with stellarium to decide on what I fancy hving a bash at.

Baz

[Fordos Moon]

Thanks Baz :-)

[Fordos Moon]

In case anyone else interested there is an excellent app called MessierList which has images and information on them all :-)

[bomberbaz]

Nearly forgot about this one http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caldwell_objects

I have them all saved as favourites for when I am researching but quite a lot cross over each other

Baz