Featured Deep Sky Objects M40

Deep Sky Object Chart | Stars in Ursa Major | M40 | M81/M82 | M97 | M101 | M109 | NGC2841 M40 isn't. That't the simplest way to put it. When Charles Messier entered this "object" into his catalog in 1764, he saw very little here - just a star or two. But he was following up on reports dating back a century that reported something there. He therefore assigned the number 40 to a pair of ninth magnitude stars, located just 1.5 northwest from Megrez. The main reason to mention such a non-object is that many astronomy clubs participate in annual "Messier Marathons" where amateurs attempt to spot as many of the 104 objects in the catalog as possible in one night. To complete your collection, you'll want to include this...nothing. Messier Marathons must, for reasons of avoiding the interference of the sun, take place in March, so watch your local club listings...or organize a hunt yourself! Home Stars in Ursa Major M81/M82