Observing the Caldwell Objects

Background A new collection of deep sky targets for the modern amateur astronomer was long overdue. The traditional catalogue of deep sky objects, i.e. that produced by Messier over 200 years ago, has become a victim of its own success. Those objects have now become far too well known, over-viewed, over-imaged and over-published. More importantly they have often resulted in more interesting objects being totally overlooked. The logic behind the compilation of Messier's objects was nothing more profound than that they might be confused for a comet! There must be a better way to choose the best deep sky objects for the modern era. It was time for a fresh approach. Enter Patrick Moore. As an active observer for over half a century and the last 40 years of which, as presenter ofBBC TV's Sky at Night, he has travelled all over the World and never missed the opportunity to observe the skies. This has given him an in-depth, practical knowledge of deep sky objects in both northern and southern hemispheres.