Finding Deep Sky Objects: Tips For Beginners

This video offers advice to beginning or inexperienced amateur astronomers concerning finding deep sky objects (DSOs) for viewing or imaging.
The Messier Catalog is discussed at length and an on-line resource is suggested as a reference source for information about Messier objects.
That resource may be found here:
starlust.org/messier-catalog/
The National General Catalog (NGC) is briefly discussed.
Advice is given concerning the need for patience and practice to become proficient in finding and viewing deep sky objects, and the impact of light pollution is discussed.
The use of planetarium apps - such as Stellarium, Sky Safari, or Star Walk - is presented as a valuable aid for use in finding deep sky objects.
A resource book is recommended as a guide to finding objects in the night sky. That book is "Turn Left At Orion - Hundreds of Night Sky Objects To See In A Home Telescope - And How To Find Them", Fifth Edition, by Guy Consolmagno and Dan M. Davis, Cambridge University Press, 2018.
Music in this video is "So My Love - Instrumental Version", by Anthem of Rain, freemusicarchive.org/music/anthem-of-rain#contact-artist

[@pleaseholdadvertising7883]

Larry, once again you have provided excellent information. I love the Messier catalog link. I bookmarked it. Having had a manual telescope for many years, I must say that buying a goto scope has greatly increased my enjoyment of the night sky. I love that once the scope is aligned, I just enter in the planet, deep space object and the scope automatically finds it. For me, it was a game changer. Thanks again.

[@alexrichardson9125]

Thanks for the info. It will give my nighttime viewing a sense of purpose.

[@benchandler4298]

Thank you very much for this video! Very much something I've been uncertain about how to approach, and I had never heard of the Messier Catalog - very good to learn of these sorts of things. I'm curious how much of it will apply to my particular night sky (31.5797° S) but hopefully I can also find some specifically Australian books on stargazing, too. Thank you again!

[@vladimirbagaev8871]

Dear Larry,
Thank you very much for your videos and for sharing your huge knowledge and experience with amateur astronomers!
I've joined the hobby just 2-3 months ago and started to read a lots of articles, watched videos in different languages on different astro-channels and so on.
BUT your channel turned out to be the most useful and comfortable resource for me.
You have a great manner of narration, you keep it very simple, but at the same time, you share really lots of information and useful resources. My personal opinion, is that only a man who is very deeply involved in the topic is able to describe it in the simplest possible words - so that every newbie could understand :) I think, I watched 90% of videos on your channel already, and enjoyed them all a lot.
Your video about "finding deepsky objects" - I believe, is the most useful video on this topic, which I saw in youtube (and I watched quite a few already :)). And "Turn left at the Orion" is my handbook in last weeks.
I wish you a good health and clear skies!
Looking forward to see new videos from you :)
As an idea for next videos: would be interesting to listen to your opinion / experience with Binoviewers (i mean bino-adapters for telescopes; not separate binoculars) and f/6.3 reducer (for visual use primarily).
Best regard,
V

[@epickcrom5606]

Great video Larry. Love your sense of humour 🤭. Wishing you clear skies!

[@oldgazer7200]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@robertYTB78g]

Very helpful, thanks for posting.

[@rjmeduri]

Great video!! Lots of very helpful info.

[@oldgazer7200]

Thank you!

[@hamdyshehata7721]

Becomes one of your fans, can't wait upcoming videos

[@oldgazer7200]

Thank you very much!

[@AaronNickols88]

The music is on point, thanks for the info

[@captiinahab8118]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and resources with us newbies! I've heard others recommend turn left at Orion as well I will have to add it to my list. Please keep up the great work inspiring us all!

[@oldgazer7200]

I appreciate your kind words!

[@Bigbootyball]

Thank you so much for explaining this. I have been stuck recently with trying to view deep sky objects 😂. But this helped so much, great video!

[@UTubeSL]

This is just what I needed to hear :) Thanks so much.

[@oldgazer7200]

Thank you. It’s good to hear that these videos are useful.

[@UTubeSL]

@@oldgazer7200 they certainly are... I appreciated the Star Trek joke too by the way!
So after your video, using Stellarium and the Messier table I found the Crab Nebula's location - but couldn't see it 😄 Am in a Bortle 5/6 area so may not be possible.
The search continues... all the best.

[@davovich]

Excellent. Great info for a beginner like me

[@oldgazer7200]

Thank you. I’m glad it was helpful.

[@napke8571]

Books! use books and high details charts! For me THE best way. Great vid, thnx for this clear information it is very usable for beginners like me.

[@amranackerman9656]

When Mr Messier was alive --- there was no light pollution * so of course he saw much more even in his city or town

[@ridleyroid9060]

Spent like 2h trying to find m3 yesterday and didnt succeed, I will keep tryin!

[@amranackerman9656]

One thing certain--
150 years ago and beyond-- there was 0 light pollution

[@morganfj]

Is there anywhere where the narrater doesn't talk 30min before giving instructions?
Just need help with finding object using Equatorial mount with Right Assention and Drclination.. Don't need a coffee talk. It really gets aggravating watching videos where narrators like hearing themselves talk instead of instruction. May be fine for brand new people but aggravating to those who have spent more a month with a scope.