Messier Catalogue

Presentation by Jay Mclaren

The Messier Catalogue is a list of 110 astronomical objects, primarily nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies, compiled by French astronomer Charles Messier in the 18th century. Originally intended to help comet hunters avoid confusing these objects with comets, the Messier Catalogue has become a popular target for amateur astronomers. Spring is an excellent time to observe many Messier objects in the Northern Hemisphere because numerous galaxies, including the iconic Virgo Cluster, are well-positioned for viewing during this season.

Dr. Jay W. Mclaren is retired Professor of Ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic. His research interests included physiologic properties of the eye, fluid turnover and pressures in the eye as they relate to glaucoma, cornea structure and disease, and physiologic optics. He has developed systems for noninvasively measuring turnover of fluid in the anterior segment of the eye, for monitoring intraocular pressure by telemetry, and for assessing cell and nerve densities in the corneas of patients.  Dr. McLaren is an author or co-author of over 100 papers published in professional journals and 2 book chapters.  He has B.A. degree in Physics and Mathematics from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and earned his Ph.D. in Physiology and Biophysics from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Dr. McLaren became interested in amateur astronomy in the mid 1980’s, when Haley’s Comet was last visible.  He has completed the Messier, Caldwell Silver, and Hershel 400 Astronomical League Observing Programs. All of his observations have been visual and by star-hopping.  He currently uses a 12-inch Orion Dobsonian telescope.

Observing

Public Sky Observing of the young Moon – 8.4 days after New Moon, planets Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Uranus bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club.

NASA and Astroleague have prepared an observing challenge for the general public on the 35th anniversary of the Hubble launch. To earn a silver certificate, you must do some outreach (on the web or in person) and observe at least one featured object each month and take a photo or draw it. Submit no later than the end of the following month. See more at Astroleague, NASA – March .

What to expect at Public Sky Observing – click here.

Reload this page before you leave for the event. Event can be cancelled in case of cloudy weather or another reason.

Moon on Friday March 7 evening

Credit: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

Resources: In the Sky March/2025, Phases of the Moon 2025, Planets rise and set 03/07, Sun and Moon 03/07, Sun today, Holidays 2025
Moon Features You Can See From Earth,
Messier list, Caldwell list, Double stars list, Carbon stars list

☿ – Mercury, ♀ – Venus, ♂ – Mars, ♃ – Jupiter, ♄ – Saturn, ⛢ – Uranus, ♆ – Neptune

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