Deep Sky Section Handbooks (historical)

[Dawson]

I’ve found two editions of the DSS Handbook, number 1, and number 2 (Messier Catalogue). Does anyone know if there were other editions?

James Dawson

Librarian, Society for the History of Astronomy

Attachments:

1. 

   DSS-Handbook.png
   

[Stewart Moore]

Hello James,  There was Handbook No.3 which was produced by Nick Hewitt in 1997.  This was basically an update of Handbook No.1 but with an increased number of targets.  I think the office still has copies for sale.  When I was Director I updated the Messier guide (Handbook No. 2).  This went through a few versions.  The one you show, which I no longer seem to have a copy of, is (I think) the one compiled by Owen Brazell and updated by Nick H in 1995.  I then issued a 3rd edition of it in July 2005 which was essentially the same but with some updates to the text and corrections.  In 2014 I issued a 4th edition which is basically the same as the 3rd edition but with different images on the front cover.  I think the office still has copies for sale.  As far as I’m aware there were no other deep sky handbooks produced

[Dawson]

Stewart, thank you, that is interesting and helpful. I’ve got a spare copy of number 1 which you can have for free if you want, I can bring it to Winchester.

James

[Dr Richard John McKim]

If any member would like a draft copy of my catalogue of every BAA publication ever produced since 1890 I shall be happy to reply to any private email. When eventually finished it will be posted online.

Let me just write that there are a great many published ephemera without any sign of a year indicated, and I hope authors will always date their publications in future for the record.

Richard McKim
Archivist

[Author]

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