More explanation of BEST SKY OBJECTS

(From SAAO Latitude)

Origins
The list was developed c1990 from the standard sources available at the time, including Burham's, Norton's, Sky and Telescope ("Finest Deepsky Objects" "Finest Binaries" etc.), supplemented by my own viewing in connection with SAAO public evenings. It is preconditioned by what can be conveniently fit on a double-sided single sheet in our telescope domes.

Broad Categories
*GENERAL INTEREST*

• generally satisfying in a wide range of instruments

• some in this category could arguably be relocated to the second

*SPECIALIZED TO BINOCULARS AND SMALL TELESCOPES*

• very large field of view needed for satisfying viewing, or rather wide telescopic binaries, which look better when their separation is not excessively magnified

• some in this category could arguably be relocated to the first

*SPECIALIZED TO LARGE TELESCOPES AND EXCELLENT SEEING*

• very high resolution needed for satisfying viewing, large telescopes being say 8-inch (20 cm) and up

Abbreviations