What was Charles Messier primarily searching for when he created his famous catalog?
Answer
New comets
Charles Messier initially compiled the catalog as a list of non-cometary objects he repeatedly observed while searching for new comets.
Related Questions
What measurement typically defines M87 as the largest object in the Messier Catalog?What is the classification of the colossal galaxy Messier 87?In which constellation is the massive galaxy Messier 87 situated?What is the estimated distance to Messier 87 in light-years?Compared to the Milky Way's diameter, how much larger is M87's stellar halo extension?What highly massive object resides at the dynamic center of Messier 87?Approximately how many times the mass of the Sun is M87's central black hole estimated to possess?What was Charles Messier primarily searching for when he created his famous catalog?What is M87's approximate apparent visual magnitude, allowing moderate telescopes to spot it?Which galaxy is specifically mentioned as the largest *spiral* galaxy in the Messier catalog by diameter?How many total entries are contained within the final Messier Catalog?