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On this day in 1817 – June 26th – French astronomer Charles Messier was born in Badonviller in the Lorraine region of France.

Messier published an astronomical catalogue consisting of 110 nebulae and faint star clusters, which came to be known as the Messier objects. The purpose of the catalogue was to help astronomical observers distinguish between permanent and transient visually diffuse objects, like comets, in the sky.

Last edited by Mona - Astronomy; 06/27/21 05:43 AM. Reason: Link added
Mona Evans
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