This is a long-running project: photograph every object in the Messier catalogue with a DWARF mini, a small smart telescope with a 150 mm focal length, from my backyard in Dublin and, when I travel, from Italy and Catalonia.
The first goal is one hour of usable data per object. After that, every extra hour brings less improvement, so the grade follows the square root of the time, up to a target of four hours. Only frames that pass an automatic quality check count, and only with the filter that suits the object: Duo-Band for emission and planetary nebulae, no filter for galaxies and clusters.
- Objects shot
- 38 / 110
- 72 not started
- At 1 h usable or more
- 18
- 16 % of the catalogue
- Complete (4 h)
- 0
- 1 great · 3 good · 14 viable
- Average completion
- 15 %
- over all 110 objects
- Usable hours
- 35.5 h
- of 440 h for the full goal
- Not started 72
- Nothing usable 4
- Needs completion 16
- Viable 14
- Good 3
- Great 1
- Complete 0
Do next
Objects ranked by the completion points one more hour would add, weighted by how well they are placed from Dublin in October 2026. New Moon around 9 Nov, 9 Dec, 7 Jan (mean dates, ±0.5 day).
- M1 Crab Nebula Duo-Band Not shot. Capture 1 h with Duo-Band (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
- M36 Astro 145 frames shot, none usable: too low in the sky (under 20°) (145), trailed stars (7). Fix: wait for the season when it climbs above 35° and shoot it near transit
- M40 Winnecke 4 (double star) Astro Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
- M45 Pleiades Astro 123 frames shot, none usable: too low in the sky (under 20°) (123), thin cloud or haze (88). Fix: wait for the season when it climbs above 35° and shoot it near transit
- M52 Astro Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 120 subs of 30 s) as the first goal
- M81 Bode's Galaxy Astro Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
- M82 Cigar Galaxy Astro Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
- M97 Owl Nebula Duo-Band Not shot. Capture 1 h with Duo-Band (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
- M108 Surfboard Galaxy Astro Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
Month planner: best place to shoot from
Objects that climb above 50° in true darkness (Sun below −12°) on the 15th of the month, from Dublin, Rieti and Barcelona. A single colour means only that place reaches 50° that month, so shoot it there; other colours mean two or three places reach it. Each column lists first the objects at their best month from that place (ringed, ◆, lowest completion first), then the rest by height. Objects very hard from Dublin but easier from the south are marked ★.
All 110 objects
M1–M235%M353%M4–M5–M6–M7–M8–M9–M10–M1156%M12–M1373%M14–M1561%M1634%M17–M18–M19–M20–M21–M22–M23–M24–M25–M26–M2774%M28–M2956%M30–M3162%M3262%M3328%M3450%M3510%M360%M3748%M3846%M3949%M40–M41–M42–M43–M4448%M450%M46–M47–M4810%M49–M50–M510%M52–M53–M54–M55–M5644%M573%M58–M59–M60–M61–M62–M6353%M64–M65–M66–M6729%M68–M69–M70–M7167%M72–M73–M7462%M75–M7653%M77–M78–M79–M80–M81–M82–M83–M84–M85–M86–M87–M88–M89–M90–M91–M923%M930%M94–M9547%M9647%M97–M98–M99–M100–M10188%M10254%M10356%M104–M105–M10638%M107–M108–M10985%M11062%
| Grade | Next action | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1 Crab Nebula Supernova remnant · Tau | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Duo-Band (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
|
| M2 Globular cluster · Aqr | Needs completion | 35% · next hour +30 | 42 min84 / 100 subs | Excellent 87 | Needs completion: add 20 min of Astro (about 37 subs of 30 s) to reach 1 h. Best months from Dublin: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.
Grade: 0.7 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 0.7 h counted → 35 %. Astro (counts): 0.7 h usable of 0.8 h |
| M3 Globular cluster · CVn | Viable | 53% · next hour +20 | 1.1 h135 / 140 subs | Excellent 92 | Viable. Next hour adds +20 points (to 2.1 h)
Grade: 1.1 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 1.1 h counted → 53 %. Astro (counts): 1.1 h usable of 1.2 h |
| M4 Globular cluster · Sco · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (22° vs 10°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 10° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 22°).
|
| M5 Globular cluster · Ser | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 120 subs of 30 s) as the first goal
|
| M6 Butterfly Cluster Open cluster · Sco · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (16° vs 5°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 5° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 16°).
|
| M7 Ptolemy Cluster Open cluster · Sco · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (14° vs 2°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 2° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 14°).
|
| M8 Lagoon Nebula Emission nebula · Sgr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (24° vs 12°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 12° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 24°).
|
| M9 Globular cluster · Oph · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (30° vs 18°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 18° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 30°).
|
| M10 Globular cluster · Oph | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 120 subs of 30 s) as the first goal
|
| M11 Wild Duck Cluster Open cluster · Sct | Viable | 56% · next hour +19 | 1.3 h151 / 177 subs | Excellent 90 | Viable. Next hour adds +19 points (to 2.3 h)
Grade: 1.3 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 1.3 h counted → 56 %. Astro (counts): 1.3 h usable of 1.5 h |
| M12 Globular cluster · Oph | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 120 subs of 30 s) as the first goal
|
| M13 Hercules Cluster Globular cluster · Her | Good | 73% · next hour +16 | 2.1 h507 / 599 subs | Excellent 91 | Good. Next hour adds +16 points (to 3.1 h)
Grade: 2.1 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 2.1 h counted → 73 %. Astro (counts): 2.1 h usable of 2.5 h |
| M14 Globular cluster · Oph | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 120 subs of 30 s) as the first goal
|
| M15 Globular cluster · Peg | Viable | 61% · next hour +18 | 1.5 h137 / 157 subs | Excellent 93 | Viable. Next hour adds +18 points (to 2.5 h)
Grade: 1.5 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 1.5 h counted → 61 %. Astro (counts): 1.5 h usable of 1.7 h |
| M16 Eagle Nebula Emission nebula · Ser · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (35° vs 23°) | Needs completion | 34% · next hour +30 | 41 min83 / 485 subs | Excellent 87 | Needs completion: add 20 min of Duo-Band (about 38 subs of 30 s) to reach 1 h. never above 23° in darkness from Dublin.
Grade: 0.7 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 0.7 h counted → 34 %. Duo-Band (counts): 0.7 h usable of 4.0 h |
| M17 Omega Nebula Emission nebula · Sgr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (32° vs 21°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 21° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 32°).
|
| M18 Open cluster · Sgr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (31° vs 20°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 20° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 31°).
|
| M19 Globular cluster · Oph · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (22° vs 10°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 10° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 22°).
|
| M20 Trifid Nebula Emission nebula · Sgr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (26° vs 14°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 14° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 26°).
|
| M21 Open cluster · Sgr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (26° vs 14°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 14° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 26°).
|
| M22 Globular cluster · Sgr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (25° vs 13°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 13° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 25°).
|
| M23 Open cluster · Sgr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (30° vs 18°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 18° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 30°).
|
| M24 Sagittarius Star Cloud Other · Sgr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (30° vs 18°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 18° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 30°).
|
| M25 Open cluster · Sgr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (29° vs 18°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 18° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 29°).
|
| M26 Open cluster · Sct | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 120 subs of 30 s) as the first goal
|
| M27 Dumbbell Nebula Planetary nebula · Vul | Good | 74% · next hour +15 | 2.2 h263 / 287 subs | Excellent 90 | Good. Next hour adds +15 points (to 3.2 h)
Grade: 2.2 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 2.2 h counted → 74 %. Duo-Band (counts): 2.2 h usable of 2.4 h |
| M28 Globular cluster · Sgr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (24° vs 12°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 12° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 24°).
|
| M29 Open cluster · Cyg | Viable | 56% · next hour +19 | 1.2 h89 / 105 subs | Excellent 89 | Viable. Next hour adds +19 points (to 2.2 h)
Grade: 1.2 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 1.2 h counted → 56 %. Astro (counts): 1.2 h usable of 1.4 h |
| M30 Globular cluster · Cap · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (25° vs 14°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 14° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 25°).
|
| M31 Andromeda Galaxy Galaxy · And | Viable | 62% · next hour +18 | 1.5 h164 / 190 subs | Excellent 90 | Viable. Next hour adds +18 points (to 2.5 h)
Grade: 1.5 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 1.5 h counted → 62 %. Astro (counts): 1.5 h usable of 1.8 h |
| M32 Galaxy · And · inside the M31 frame | Viable | 62% · next hour +18 | 1.5 h164 / 190 subs | Excellent 90 | Inside the M31 DWARF frame (near the edge; field rotation may crop it), so it uses the M31 data. Check the stacked M31 image for it.
Grade: 1.5 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 1.5 h counted → 62 %. Astro (counts): 1.5 h usable of 1.8 h |
| M33 Triangulum Galaxy Galaxy · Tri | Needs completion | 28% · next hour +35 | 33 min66 / 93 subs | Excellent 85 | Needs completion: add 30 min of Astro (about 54 subs of 30 s) to reach 1 h. Best months from Dublin: Jan, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.
Grade: 0.6 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 0.6 h counted → 28 %. Astro (counts): 0.6 h usable of 0.8 h |
| M34 Open cluster · Per | Viable | 50% · next hour +21 | 1.0 h60 / 70 subs | Excellent 95 | Viable. Next hour adds +21 points (to 2.0 h)
Grade: 1.0 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 1.0 h counted → 50 %. Astro (counts): 1.0 h usable of 1.2 h |
| M35 Open cluster · Gem | Needs completion | 10% · next hour +44 | 13 min50 / 200 subs | Excellent 85 | Needs completion: add 50 min of Astro (about 190 subs of 15 s) to reach 1 h. Best months from Dublin: Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec.
Grade: 0.2 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 0.2 h counted → 10 %. Astro (counts): 0.2 h usable of 0.8 h |
| M36 Open cluster · Aur | Nothing usable | 0% | 0 min0 / 145 subs | Excellent 87 | 145 frames shot, none usable: too low in the sky (under 20°) (145), trailed stars (7). Fix: wait for the season when it climbs above 35° and shoot it near transit
Grade: 0.0 h usable × sub factor 0.00 = 0.0 h counted → 0 %. Astro (counts): 0.0 h usable of 0.6 h |
| M37 Open cluster · Aur | Needs completion | 48% · next hour +22 | 58 min232 / 391 subs | Excellent 93 | Needs completion: add 5 min of Astro (about 8 subs of 15 s) to reach 1 h. Best months from Dublin: Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.
Grade: 1.0 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 1.0 h counted → 48 %. Astro (counts): 1.0 h usable of 1.6 h |
| M38 Starfish Cluster Open cluster · Aur | Needs completion | 46% · next hour +23 | 56 min223 / 243 subs | Excellent 96 | Needs completion: add 5 min of Astro (about 17 subs of 15 s) to reach 1 h. Best months from Dublin: Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.
Grade: 0.9 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 0.9 h counted → 46 %. Astro (counts): 0.9 h usable of 1.0 h |
| M39 Open cluster · Cyg | Needs completion | 49% · next hour +21 | 59 min59 / 81 subs | Excellent 86 | Needs completion: add 5 min of Astro (about 2 subs of 60 s) to reach 1 h. Best months from Dublin: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov.
Grade: 1.0 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 1.0 h counted → 49 %. Astro (counts): 1.0 h usable of 1.4 h |
| M40 Winnecke 4 (double star) Other · UMa | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
|
| M41 Open cluster · CMa · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (28° vs 16°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 16° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 28°).
|
| M42 Orion Nebula Emission nebula · Ori | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Duo-Band (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
|
| M43 De Mairan's Nebula Emission nebula · Ori | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Duo-Band (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
|
| M44 Beehive Cluster Open cluster · Cnc | Needs completion | 48% · next hour +22 | 57 min228 / 240 subs | Excellent 94 | Needs completion: add 5 min of Astro (about 13 subs of 15 s) to reach 1 h. Best months from Dublin: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec.
Grade: 0.9 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 0.9 h counted → 48 %. Astro (counts): 0.9 h usable of 1.0 h |
| M45 Pleiades Reflection nebula · Tau | Nothing usable | 0% | 0 min0 / 123 subs | Good 80 | 123 frames shot, none usable: too low in the sky (under 20°) (123), thin cloud or haze (88). Fix: wait for the season when it climbs above 35° and shoot it near transit
Grade: 0.0 h usable × sub factor 0.00 = 0.0 h counted → 0 %. Astro (counts): 0.0 h usable of 0.5 h |
| M46 Open cluster · Pup · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (34° vs 22°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 22° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 34°).
|
| M47 Open cluster · Pup · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (34° vs 22°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 22° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 34°).
|
| M48 Open cluster · Hya | Needs completion | 10% · next hour +44 | 13 min51 / 227 subs | Excellent 90 | Needs completion: add 50 min of Astro (about 190 subs of 15 s) to reach 1 h. Best months from Dublin: Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec.
Grade: 0.2 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 0.2 h counted → 10 %. Astro (counts): 0.2 h usable of 0.9 h |
| M49 Galaxy · Vir | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
|
| M50 Open cluster · Mon | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 120 subs of 30 s) as the first goal
|
| M51 Whirlpool Galaxy Galaxy · CVn | Nothing usable | 0% | 0 min0 / 193 subs | Good 82 | 193 frames shot, none usable: thin cloud or haze (103), bright background (Moon or glow) (90). Fix: pick a clear, steady night
Grade: 0.0 h usable × sub factor 0.00 = 0.0 h counted → 0 %. Astro (counts): 0.0 h usable of 3.2 h |
| M52 Open cluster · Cas | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 120 subs of 30 s) as the first goal
|
| M53 Globular cluster · Com | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 120 subs of 30 s) as the first goal
|
| M54 Globular cluster · Sgr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (18° vs 6°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 6° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 18°).
|
| M55 Globular cluster · Sgr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (18° vs 6°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 6° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 18°).
|
| M56 Globular cluster · Lyr | Needs completion | 44% · next hour +25 | 52 min104 / 104 subs | Excellent 92 | Needs completion: add 10 min of Astro (about 16 subs of 30 s) to reach 1 h. Best months from Dublin: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov.
Grade: 0.9 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 0.9 h counted → 44 %. Astro (counts): 0.9 h usable of 0.9 h |
| M57 Ring Nebula Planetary nebula · Lyr | Needs completion | 3% · next hour +48 | 8 min8 / 9 subs | Excellent 98 | Needs completion: add 60 min of Duo-Band (about 57 subs of 60 s) to reach 1 h. Best months from Dublin: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.
Grade: 0.1 h usable × sub factor 0.45 = 0.1 h counted → 3 %. Duo-Band (counts): 0.1 h usable of 0.1 h |
| M58 Galaxy · Vir | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M59 Galaxy · Vir | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M60 Galaxy · Vir | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M61 Galaxy · Vir | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M62 Globular cluster · Oph · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (19° vs 7°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 7° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 19°).
|
| M63 Sunflower Galaxy Galaxy · CVn | Viable | 53% · next hour +20 | 1.1 h67 / 103 subs | Excellent 92 | Viable. Next hour adds +20 points (to 2.1 h)
Grade: 1.1 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 1.1 h counted → 53 %. Astro (counts): 1.1 h usable of 1.7 h |
| M64 Black Eye Galaxy Galaxy · Com | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M65 Galaxy · Leo | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M66 Galaxy · Leo | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M67 Open cluster · Cnc | Needs completion | 29% · next hour +34 | 35 min140 / 153 subs | Excellent 91 | Needs completion: add 30 min of Astro (about 101 subs of 15 s) to reach 1 h. Best months from Dublin: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec.
Grade: 0.6 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 0.6 h counted → 29 %. Astro (counts): 0.6 h usable of 0.6 h |
| M68 Globular cluster · Hya · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (22° vs 10°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 10° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 22°).
|
| M69 Globular cluster · Sgr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (16° vs 4°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 4° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 16°).
|
| M70 Globular cluster · Sgr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (16° vs 4°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 4° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 16°).
|
| M71 Globular cluster · Sge | Viable | 67% · next hour +17 | 1.8 h213 / 227 subs | Excellent 95 | Viable. Next hour adds +17 points (to 2.8 h)
Grade: 1.8 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 1.8 h counted → 67 %. Astro (counts): 1.8 h usable of 1.9 h |
| M72 Globular cluster · Aqr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (36° vs 24°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 24° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 36°).
|
| M73 Asterism Other · Aqr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (36° vs 24°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 24° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 36°).
|
| M74 Phantom Galaxy Galaxy · Psc | Viable | 62% · next hour +18 | 1.6 h93 / 107 subs | Excellent 93 | Viable. Next hour adds +18 points (to 2.5 h)
Grade: 1.6 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 1.6 h counted → 62 %. Astro (counts): 1.6 h usable of 1.8 h |
| M75 Globular cluster · Sgr · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (27° vs 15°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 15° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 27°).
|
| M76 Little Dumbbell Planetary nebula · Per | Viable | 53% · next hour +20 | 1.1 h68 / 71 subs | Excellent 97 | Viable. Next hour adds +20 points (to 2.1 h)
Grade: 1.1 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 1.1 h counted → 53 %. Duo-Band (counts): 1.1 h usable of 1.2 h |
| M77 Cetus A Galaxy · Cet | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M78 Reflection nebula · Ori | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M79 Globular cluster · Lep · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (24° vs 12°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 12° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 24°).
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| M80 Globular cluster · Sco · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (26° vs 14°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 14° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 26°).
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| M81 Bode's Galaxy Galaxy · UMa | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M82 Cigar Galaxy Galaxy · UMa | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M83 Southern Pinwheel Galaxy · Hya · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (19° vs 7°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 7° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 19°).
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| M84 Galaxy · Vir | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M85 Galaxy · Com | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M86 Galaxy · Vir | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M87 Virgo A Galaxy · Vir | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M88 Galaxy · Com | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M89 Galaxy · Vir | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M90 Galaxy · Vir | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M91 Galaxy · Com | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M92 Globular cluster · Her | Needs completion | 3% · next hour +48 | 7 min13 / 13 subs | Excellent 97 | Needs completion: add 60 min of Astro (about 113 subs of 30 s) to reach 1 h. Best months from Dublin: Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul.
Grade: 0.1 h usable × sub factor 0.57 = 0.1 h counted → 3 %. Astro (counts): 0.1 h usable of 0.1 h |
| M93 Open cluster · Pup · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (25° vs 13°) | Nothing usable | 0% | 0 min0 / 126 subs | Excellent 91 | 126 frames shot, none usable: too low in the sky (under 20°) (126), trailed stars (2). Fix: wait for the season when it climbs above 35° and shoot it near transit
Grade: 0.0 h usable × sub factor 0.00 = 0.0 h counted → 0 %. Astro (counts): 0.0 h usable of 0.5 h |
| M94 Cat's Eye Galaxy Galaxy · CVn | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M95 Galaxy · Leo | Needs completion | 47% · next hour +23 | 56 min226 / 228 subs | Excellent 87 | Needs completion: add 5 min of Astro (about 15 subs of 15 s) to reach 1 h. Best months from Dublin: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec.
Grade: 0.9 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 0.9 h counted → 47 %. Astro (counts): 0.9 h usable of 0.9 h |
| M96 Galaxy · Leo · inside the M95 frame | Needs completion | 47% · next hour +23 | 56 min226 / 228 subs | Excellent 87 | Inside the M95 DWARF frame (near the edge; field rotation may crop it), so it uses the M95 data. Check the stacked M95 image for it.
Grade: 0.9 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 0.9 h counted → 47 %. Astro (counts): 0.9 h usable of 0.9 h |
| M97 Owl Nebula Planetary nebula · UMa | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Duo-Band (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M98 Galaxy · Com | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M99 Galaxy · Com | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M100 Galaxy · Com | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M101 Pinwheel Galaxy Galaxy · UMa | Great | 88% · next hour +12 | 3.1 h536 / 590 subs | Excellent 91 | Great. Next hour adds +12 points (to 4.1 h)
Grade: 3.1 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 3.1 h counted → 88 %. Astro (counts): 3.1 h usable of 3.5 h |
| M102 Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866) Galaxy · Dra | Viable | 54% · next hour +20 | 1.1 h69 / 156 subs | Excellent 87 | Viable. Next hour adds +20 points (to 2.1 h)
Grade: 1.1 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 1.1 h counted → 54 %. Astro (counts): 1.1 h usable of 2.6 h |
| M103 Open cluster · Cas | Viable | 56% · next hour +19 | 1.2 h148 / 170 subs | Excellent 91 | Viable. Next hour adds +19 points (to 2.2 h)
Grade: 1.2 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 1.2 h counted → 56 %. Astro (counts): 1.2 h usable of 1.4 h |
| M104 Sombrero Galaxy Galaxy · Vir | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M105 Galaxy · Leo | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M106 Galaxy · CVn | Needs completion | 38% · next hour +28 | 46 min184 / 197 subs | Excellent 90 | Needs completion: add 15 min of Astro (about 56 subs of 15 s) to reach 1 h. Best months from Dublin: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Dec.
Grade: 0.8 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 0.8 h counted → 38 %. Astro (counts): 0.8 h usable of 0.8 h |
| M107 Globular cluster · Oph · hard from Dublin ★ easier from Rieti / Barcelona (36° vs 24°) | Not started | 0% | – | – | Very hard from Dublin: it never gets above 24° in true darkness. Easier from Rieti or Barcelona (up to 36°).
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| M108 Surfboard Galaxy Galaxy · UMa | Not started | 0% | – | – | Not shot. Capture 1 h with Astro (about 60 subs of 60 s) as the first goal
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| M109 Galaxy · UMa | Good | 85% · next hour +14 | 2.9 h382 / 395 subs | Excellent 92 | Good. Next hour adds +14 points (to 3.9 h)
Grade: 2.9 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 2.9 h counted → 85 %. Astro (counts): 2.9 h usable of 2.9 h |
| M110 Galaxy · And · inside the M31 frame | Viable | 62% · next hour +18 | 1.5 h164 / 190 subs | Excellent 90 | Inside the M31 DWARF frame (near the edge; field rotation may crop it), so it uses the M31 data. Check the stacked M31 image for it.
Grade: 1.5 h usable × sub factor 1.00 = 1.5 h counted → 62 %. Astro (counts): 1.5 h usable of 1.8 h |
How the grade works
Counted time = usable hours (frames the quality check keeps) × a sub factor, min(1, √(kept subs ÷ 40)), so very thin stacks are not over-rated.
Below 1 h the grade is 50 × counted time: every minute counts the same until the stack is viable.
From 1 h the grade is 100 × √(counted time ÷ 4), because signal-to-noise grows with the square root of time. 1 h = 50 %, 2 h = 71 %, 3 h = 87 %, 4 h = 100 %; the next hour is worth +21, then +16, then +13 points.
Filter: Duo-Band for emission nebulae, planetary nebulae and supernova remnants; no filter for galaxies, clusters and reflection nebulae. Data in the other filter is shown but never added. M32, M110 and M96 sit inside the M31 and M95 frames and use that data.
Frames are scored automatically from star sharpness, trailing, transparency, background and Moon. Altitudes are for true darkness on the 15th of each month and use catalogue positions (checked against the telescope's own pointing for the 38 objects shot so far; the rest are approximate). New Moon dates are mean values. M102 is listed as the Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866), whose identity as M102 is disputed. Updated October 18, 2026.