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• top 100 southern deep sky objects

ASSA Top 100 Deep Sky Objects

Published: 2006 October 28

The Deep Sky Observing Section of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa is pleased to present the "Top 100 Deep Sky Objects", an observing programme for the novice and seasoned observer alike.

Hand-picked and collected together in a single list for the first time are the 100 best galaxies, star clusters and nebulae visible in the southern skies.

Many can be seen with the naked eye and all are visible in binoculars, so a telescope is not essential to see them.

For each 20 objects you observe, the Society will issue a Merit Award Certificate in recognition of your work (given that the observations meet basic quality standards). Your observations will also be added to the DOC Deep Sky Database.

Download the Top-100 list

Choose your format:

MS-Word document,

MS-Excel spread sheet, or

Cartes du Ciel catalogue file.

The list gives the position (RA and Dec) of each object, so you can use your favourite star atlas or charting software to help in finding it in the night sky. You're welcome to use GOTO-type computerized mounts to find them, but I'd strongly encourage beginners not to do so, simply because you then learn new skills, such as star hopping. However, it's ultimately up to you.

How do I submit observations?

Send your observations by snail-mail to: [Auke Slotegraaf, Director: ASSA Deep Sky Observing Section, Forelle Crescent 8, Die Boord, Stellenbosch, 7600], or via e-mail to [auke{at}psychohistorian.org]

Sketches submitted by regular mail will not be returned unless you include a self-addressed & stamped envelope. When submitting sketches by e-mail, make sure they are scanned/photographed at good quality.

Don't hesistate to contact me for further details. I look forward to receiving your deep sky observations!

How do I record an observation?

Guidelines for recording observations can be found in the "Deep Sky Observing Checklist". You may also want to take a look at the "Deep Sky Observer's Companion", a thorough introduction to deep sky observing techniques.

Brief summary of the list

The table shows a breakdown of the list by object type. Of these objects, 86 appear in the NGC (New General Catalogue), six are from the IC (Index Catalogue) and the remaining eight are from various other catalogues.

The objects are spread about the sky, but all are south of the celestial equator. The most southerly object has a declination of −79.3°.

Several objects are circumpolar from southern Africa, and in any given month, more than 45 of the 100 objects can be seen during the course of an evening.

The Top-100 objects

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