A set of 7 Reference Line Maps, charts and DSS photos of M74.  This series of maps has been developed for use with the Reference Line Method.  This method adapts well to both binoculars and telescopes.

How to Use Reference Line Maps to locate deep sky objects.

Notes:

1. The N-S reference line and eta Pisces will lead directly to M74.  May need dark skies for M74.
2. Because M74 appears resolvable under close observation, John Herschel mistook M74 for a globular cluster:  “A globular cluster; faint, very large; round; very gradually, then pretty suddenly, much brighter in the middle; partially resolved.”

Credits, Links & Resources:

1. The images of galactic position of eemission nebulae, star clusters and planetary nebulae relative to our own Sun are provided courtesy of thinkastronomy.com.
2. A complete online resource for distances, sizes and locations of deep sky objects is available at seds.org.
3. Sky and Tleescope’s This Week’s Sky At A Glance is worth checking before every stargazing session.
4. Danko’s Clear Sky Chart provides a 48 hour forecast of observing conditions for every location in North America.
5. Reference Line Maps are produced by Project DeepSkyMap, a collaborative venture of observers who enjoy knowing the heavens and locating objects for themselves.


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