Introduction

Abstract

This Chapter explains the reasons behind the project to remotely image all of the Messier Objects using a laptop which connected to telescopes in North America, Europe and Australia. It summarises the location of the remote sites and explains the astronomical terms used throughout the book. It is important to have an understanding of the geometry of the sky to be able to locate and identify potential targets and there is an explanation of the terms used in association with the movement of the stars and celestial objects. Working on three continents to take images involves different time zones and this is also discussed. The structure of the book itself which breaks down the Messier Objects into three sets is also explained.