Charles Messier and the RASC: When Did Society Members Turn to Observing Deep-Sky Objects?

摘要

Deep-sky observing and imaging are integral parts of modern amateur astronomy. This is often seen as a major difference between the culture of modern amateurs, and their Victorian predecessors. How accurate is this view? When did RASC members turn to the deep sky? What resources were available to them as guides? How easy was it to find Messier's list, and when did it start to be recommended as a gateway to the observation of deep-sky objects (DSOs)?