The Catalog of Nebulae and Star Clusters

• Charles Messier. Catalogue des Nébuleuses & des amas d'Étoiles, que l'on découvre parmi les Étoiles fixes sur l'horizon de Paris; observées à l'Observatoire de la Marine, avec differens instruments. (Catalog of Nebulae and Star Clusters, which have been discovered between the fixed stars over the horizon of Paris; observed at the Observatory of the Navy, with different instruments). Mémoires de l'Académie Royale des Sciences for 1771, Paris (dated February 16, 1771, published 1774), pp. 435-461 + Pl. VIII [Bibcode: 1774MmARS1771..435M]. First version of the Messier Catalog, covers the objects M1--M45. Available online.
• Charles Messier. Catalogue des Nébuleuses & des amas d'Étoiles (Catalog of Nebulae and Star Clusters). Connoissance des Temps for 1783 (published 1780), pp. 225-249 [Bibcode: 1780CdT..1783..225M]. Reprint of the first catalog, plus the first supplement (to M68). Following the catalog, a list was printed of objects reported by previous observers but not verified by Messier when he had looked for them, pp. 250-251, as well as a reprint of Lacaille's catalog of southern objects, pp. 252-254. The objects M69 and M70 were added in a separate contribution to the same volume, p. 408 [Bibcode: 1780CdT..1783..408M]. Available online.
• Charles Messier. Catalogue des Nébuleuses & des amas d'Étoiles (Catalog of Nebulae and Star Clusters). Connoissance des Temps for 1784 (published 1781), pp. 227-267 [Bibcode: 1781CdT..1784..227M]. This final published version of the Messier Catalog contains the objects up to M103 (as well as descriptions for M108 and M109). Again, the list of failed object observations was printed after the catalog (p. 268-269), as was Lacaille's catalog of southern objects (p. 270-272). Available online.

  This version of the catalog, plus its appendices, was reprinted unchanged in the Connoissance des Temps" for 1787 (published 1784), pp. 238-282 [Bibcode: 1784CdT..1787..238M]

Publications in the Connoissance des Temps

• Charles Messier. Catalogue des Nébuleuses & des amas d'Étoiles (Catalog of Nebulae and Star Clusters). Connoissance des Temps for 1783 (published 1780), pp. 225-249 [Bibcode: 1780CdT..1783..225M]. Reprint of the first catalog, plus the first supplement (to M68). Following the catalog, a list was printed of objects reported by previous observers but not verified by Messier when he had looked for them, pp. 250-251, as well as a reprint of Lacaille's catalog of southern objects, pp. 252-254. The objects M69 and M70 were added in a separate contribution to the same volume, p. 408 [Bibcode: 1780CdT..1783..408M]. Available online. Second version of the Messier Catalog, see above.
• Charles Messier. Catalogue des Nébuleuses & des amas d'Étoiles (Catalog of Nebulae and Star Clusters). Connoissance des Temps for 1784 (published 1781), pp. 227-267 [Bibcode: 1781CdT..1784..227M]. This final published version of the Messier Catalog contains the objects up to M103. Again, the list of failed object observations was printed after the catalog (p. 268-269), as was Lacaille's catalog of southern objects (p. 270-272). Available online. Third and final published version of the Messier Catalog, see above.

  This version of the catalog, plus its appendices, was reprinted unchanged in the Connoissance des Temps" for 1787 (published 1784), pp. 238-282 [Bibcode: 1784CdT..1787..238M].

• Charles Messier. Observations Astronomiques, Faites à l'Observatoire de la Marine, à Paris, Par le citoyen Messier, pendant dix ans, depuis le mois de janvier 1785, jusqu'au mois d'avril 1796 (Astronomical Observations, Made at the Ovservatory of the Navy, at Paris, By the citizen Messier, during ten years, from the month of January, 1785, to the month of April, 1796). Connaissance des Tems pour l'an VII (1798-1799, published 1797), pp. 207-234 [Bibcode: 1797CdT..an07..207M].
• Charles Messier. Observations Astronomiques, 1775-1784 (Astronomical Observations, 1775-1784). Connaissance des Tems pour l'an VIII (1799-1800, published 1797) [Bibcode: 1797CdT..an08..???M]
• Charles Messier. Observations Astronomiques, 1770-1774 (Astronomical Observations, 1770-1774). Connaissance des Tems pour l'an IX (1800-1801, published 1798), pp. 434-465 [Bibcode: 1798CdT..an09..434M]. Also published as: Mélanges d'Astronomie, An VI, pp. 434-465 (1798) [Bibcode: 1798MelA.an06..434M] This is apparently a separate edition of essentially the non-ephemeris part of the Connoissance des Tems volume, starting at p. 235.
• Charles Messier. Tableau des résultates des observations météorologiques [Table of the results of the meteorological observations]. Connaissance des Tems pour l'an XIII (1804-1805, published 1803), p. 349 [Bibcode: 1803CdT..an13..349M].
• Charles Messier. Observations de la planète de Piazzi (Observations of the planet of Piazzi [Ceres]). Connaissance des Tems pour l'an XIII (1804-1805, published 1803), pp. 473-475 [Bibcode: 1803CdT..an13..473M].
• Charles Messier. Observations de la planète de Olbers (Observations of the planet of Olbers [Pallas]). Connaissance des Tems pour l'an XIII (1804-1805, published 1803), pp. 476-483 [Bibcode: 1803CdT..an13..476M].
• Charles Messier. Observations de la comète de 1801 (Observations of the comet of 1801). Connaissance des Tems pour l'an XIII (1804-1805, published 1803), pp. 484-485 [Bibcode: 1803CdT..an13..484M]. On comet C/1801 N1 Pons, 1801 Pons - Messier - Méchain - Bouvard. Messier's 42nd comet.
• Charles Messier. Observations de la Comète de l'an 1802 (Observations of the Comet of the year 1802). Connaissance des Tems pour l'an XIV (1805-1806, published 1804), pp. 236-237 [Bibcode: 1804CdT..an14..236M]. On comet C/1802 Q1 or 1802 Pons, Messier's 43rd comet.
  Positions suppos&eacte;es aux &eactue;toiles pour la détermination préc&eacte;dente des lieux de la comète de l'an 1802 (Positions supposed for stars for the determination preceding the place of the comet of the year 1802). Connaissance des Tems pour l'an XIV (1805-1806, published 1804), p. 238 [Bibcode: 1804CdT..an14..238M].
• Charles Messier. Observations Astronomiques, 1765-1769 (Astronomical Observations, 1765-1769). Connaissance des Tems pour l'an XV (1806-1807, published 1805) [Bibcode: 1805CdT..an15..???M]
• Charles Messier. [Observations of the comet of 1804] Connaissance des Tems pour l'an XV (1806-1807, published 1805), p. 374 [Bibcode: 1805CdT..an15..374M]. On comet C/1804 E1 or 1804 Pons, Messier's 44th comet, the last he could observe professionally.
• Charles Messier. Observations Astronomiques, 1760-1764 (Astronomical Observations, 1760-1764). Connaissance des Tems pour l'an 1809 (published 1807) [Bibcode: 1807CdT..1809..???M]
• Charles Messier. Sixième et dernier Recueil d'observations astronomiques, de 1752 au 1.er janvier 1760 (Sixth and last collection of astronomical observations, from 1752 to January 1, 1760). Connaissance des Tems pour l'an 1810 (published 1808), pp. 332-373 [Bibcode: 1808CdT..1810..332M].
• Charles Messier. Observations de la Comète de 1793 (Observations of the Comet of 1793). Connaissance des Tems pour l'an 1820 (published 1818), pp. 311-312 [Bibcode: 1818CdT..1820..311M].

Publications in the Philosophical Transactions

• Charles Messier. A table of places of the comet of 1764, discovered at the Observatory of the Marine at Paris, January 3, about 8 o'clock in the evening, in the constellation of the Dragon, concluded from its situation with regard to the stars. Phil. Trans. LIV (54), p. 151 [misprinted 68] (1764) [ADS: 1764RSPT...54..151M]. On comet C/1764 A1 (1764) Messier, Messier's 7th comet, the 54th comet with a calculated orbit. Available online.
• Charles Messier. A memoir, containing the history of the return of the famous comet of 1682, with observations of the same, made at Paris, at the Marine Observatory, from January to June, 1759. Phil. Trans. LV (55), pp. 294-325 (1765) [ADS: 1765RSPT...55..294M]. On comet 1P/Halley, 1P/1758 Y1 (1759I, 1759) Palitzsch, Messier's 2nd comet, the 7th comet with a calculated orbit. Available online.
• Charles Messier. Observations of the Eclipse of the Sun on the 16th of August, 1765, made at Colombes, near Paris, at the Observatory of the Marquis of Courtenvaux. Phil. Trans. LVI (56), pp. 1-3 (1766) [ADS: 1766RSPT...56....1M].
• Charles Messier. A discovery, with observations, of two new comets in the Marine Observatory at Paris. March 1766. Phil. Trans. LVI (56), pp. 57-65 (1766) [ADS: 1766RSPT...56...57M]. On comets C/1766 E1 (1766I) Messier and D/1766 Helfenzrieder (D/1766 G1, 1766 Helfenzrieder-Messier), Messier's 8th and 9th comet, the 55th and 56th with a calculated orbit, respectively. Available online.
• Charles Messier. Observations on the Eclipse of the Sun of August 5, 1766, made at Colomdes, the Observatory of the Marquis of Courtenvaux. Phil. Trans. LVI (56), pp. 259-261 (1766) [ADS: 1766RSPT...56..259M].
• Charles Messier. An account of a remarkable Aurora Borealis, observed at the Observatory of the Marine at Paris. (Aurora of August 6, 1768). Phil. Trans. LIX (59), pp. 86-88 (1769) [ADS: 1769RSPT...59...86M].
• Jérôme De la Lande and Charles Messier. Observation of the transit of Venus on June 3, 1769, and the Eclipse of the Sun on the following day, made at Paris and other places. Phil. Trans. LIX (59), pp. 374-377 (1769) [ADS: 1769RSPT...59..374D].
• Charles Messier. A series of astronomical observations made at the Observatory of the Marine at Paris, to wit,
  1. Observations of Jupiter's satellites in the years 1767 and 1768.
  2. Observations on the shadows of Jupiter's satellites.
  3. On the variations of the belts in the disk of that planet.
  4. Observation of a spot on the disc of the third satellite.
  5. Observation of the Belts of Saturn.
  6. Observation of the Moon's passage over the Pleiades, in 1767.
  7. Observation of a partial eclipse of the Moon, January 3, and of a total one, December 23, 1768.
  8. Observations of two Aurorae Boreales, August 6, and December 5, of the same year.
  Phil. Trans. LIX (59), 454-466 (1769) [ADS: 1769RSPT...59..454M].
• Charles Messier. On a new comet (discovered Jan 10, 1771, observed at Paris). Phil. Trans. LXI (61), pp. 104-106 (1771) [ADS: 1771RSPT...61..104M]. On comet C/1771 A1 (1770II), the "Great Comet" of 1771. Messier's 12th comet, the 59th with a calculated orbit. Available online.
• Charles Messier. A belt on the disc of Saturn described. Phil. Trans. LXVI, 543 (1776) [ADS: 1776RSPT...66..543M]. Available online.

Memoirs

Memoirs published in the Savants étragers de l'Académies des Sciences (Foreign Scholars of the Academy of Sciences). Full title: Mémoires de Mathématique et de Physique, présentés à l'Académie Royale des Sciences, par divers Savans, & lûs dans les Assemblées (Memoirs of Mathematics and Physics, presented at the Royal Academy of Sciences, by different Scholars, & read in the Assemblies). These memoirs were mostly from the time before 1770 when Messier was elected to the Academy.

• Catalogue et notice des principales observations astronomiques faites dans l'observatoire de la Marine, à Paris, depuis le mois d'aôut 1752 jusqu'en 1762. (Catalog and Notes of principal astronomical observations made at the observatory of the Navy, at Paris, from the month August 1752 until 1762). Sav. etr., Vol. 5, 1768 [Bibcode: 1768SavEt...5..???M].
• Observation du passage de Vénus sur le disque du Soleil, faites le 5 juin 1761, avec des remarques sur ce passage et les résultats des observations pour la théorie de Vénus. (Observation of the transit of Venus over the disk of the Sun, made on June 5, 1761, with remarks on this transit and the results of the observations for the theory of [the orbit of] Venus). Sav. etr., Vol. 5, 1768 [Bibcode: 1768SavEt...5..???M].
• Observations de la comète qui paraît presentement entre la Grand Ourse et la constellation du Lynx, faites pendant les mois de mai et juin 1762. Addition à ce mémoire. (Observations of the comet which appeared between the Great Bear [Ursa Major] and the constellation Lynx, made during the months May and June, 1762. Addition to this memoir). Sav. etr., Vol. 5, 1768 [Bibcode: 1768SavEt...5..???M]. On comet C/1762 K1 (1762) Klinkenberg, Messier's 4th comet, the 50th with a calculated orbit.
• Observations astronomiques faites pendant l'année 1762. (Astronomical observations made during the year 1762). Sav. etr., Vol. 5, 1768 [Bibcode: 1768SavEt...5..???M].
• Observation de la plus courte du troisième satellite de Jupiter dans l'ombre, faite le 25 janvier 1763 au soir. (Observation of the of the third satellite of Jupiter in the shadow, made on January 25, 1763 in the evening). Sav. etr., Vol. 5, 1768 [Bibcode: 1768SavEt...5..???M].
• Découverte et observations d'une comète observée en avril 1766 et différente de celle qui l'a été un mois auparavant, dans la constellation des Poissons. (Discovery and observations of a comet observed in April, 1766, and different from that which has been there one month previously, in the constellation of the Fish [Pisces]). Sav. etr., Vol. 6, 1774, pp. 92-93 [Bibcode: 1774SavEt...6...92M]. On comets C/1766 E1 (1766I) Messier and D/1766 Helfenzrieder (D/1766 G1, 1766 Helfenzrieder-Messier), Messier's 8th and 9th comet, the 55th and 56th with a calculated orbit, respectively.
• Observation d'une aurore boréale, faite la nuit du 21 au 22 mai 1762. (Observations of an Aurora Borealis, made in the night of May 21-22, 1762). Sav. etr., Vol. 6, 1774, pp. 110-113 [Bibcode: 1774SavEt...6..110M].
• Observations météorologique faites à Pékin par le P. Amyot, jésuite, pendant 6 années, depuis le 1er janvier 1757 jusqu'au 31 décembre 1762. Mises en ordre par M. Messier. (Meteorological observations made at Beijing by P. Amyot, Jesuit, for 6 years, from January 1, 1757 until December 31, 1762. ). Sav. etr., Vol. 6, 1774, pp. 519-602 [Bibcode: 1774SavEt...6..519M].

• Mémoire sur la comète de 1758. Par M. De l'Isle. [Memoir on the comet of 1758. By M. De l'Isle.] Mem. Acad., 1759, pp. 154-188 [Bibcode: 1765MmARS.1759..154D]. In this memoir, Delisle reports of Messier's observations. Comet C/1758 K1 (1758I) De la Nux, Messier's first comet, the 49th with a calculated orbit. Includes discovery report of M1. Felice Stoppa's account of this memoir and included map.
• Sur la Comète de 1759, ou le retur de celle de 1682. Par M. De l'Isle. [On the comet of 1759, or the return of that of 1682. By M. Delisle.] Mem. Acad., 1760, pp. 380-465 + Pl. 11-13 [Bibcode: 1766MmARS.1760..380D]. Contains a small (half page) preface by Delisle and an extensive (84 1/2 pages) memoir by Messier: Histoire & Observations du retour de la Comète de 1682, découverte à l'observatoire de la Marine à Paris, le 21 Janvier 1759, vers les fix heures du soir, dans la constellation de Poissons, observée jusqu'au 3 Juin. Par M. Messier, attaché au Dépôt des Plans de la Marine, des Académies d'Angleterre, de Holland & d'Italie. [History & Observations of the return of the Comet of 1682, discovered at the observatory of the Navy in Paris, on January 21, 1759, in the evening hours, in the constellation Pisces, observed until June 3. By M. Messier, clerk of the Depot of Maps of the Navy, the Academies of England, of Holland & Italy.] On comet 1P/Halley, 1P/1758 Y1 (1759I, 1759) Palitzsch. Messier's second comet, the 7th with a calculated orbit. Plate 12 contains the positions (and drawings) of "nebulae" (actually globular clusters) M2 and M30.
• Observation de l'éclipse de Soleil, le lendement du passage de Vénus, le 4 juin 1769, au matin. (Observation of the Solar Eclipse, the day after the transit of Venus, on June 4, 1769). Mem. Acad, 1771, pp. 12-16 + Pl. I [Bibcode: 1774MmARS.1771...12M].
• Mémoire contenant les observations de la seconde comète de 1770, qui a paru au mois de janvier 1771, qui est la cinquante neuvième dont l'orbite ait été calculée. (Memoir containing the observations of the second comet of 1770, which has appeared in the month January 1771, which is the fifty-nineth of which the orbit has been calculated). Mem. Acad, 1771, pp. 423-429 + Pl. VII (with M1, M35 and M44) [Bibcode: 1774MmARS.1771..423M]. On comet C/1771 A1 (1770II), the "Great Comet" of 1771. Messier's 12th comet.
• Observation de l'éclipse de la Lune, la nuit du 28 au 29 avril 1771. (Observation of the eclipse of the moon, in the night of April 28 and 29, 1771). Mem. Acad, 1771, pp. 430-434 [Bibcode: 1774MmARS.1771..430M].
• Catalogue des Nébuleuses et que des Amas d'Étoiles, que l'on découvre, parmi les Étoiles fixes, sur l'horizon de Paris; observées a l'Observatoire de la Marine. (Catalog of Nebulae and Star Clusters, which have been discovered between the fixed stars over the horizon of Paris; observed at the Observatory of the Marine). Mem. Acad, 1771, pp. 435-461 + Pl. VIII (M42/M43) [Bibcode: 1774MmARS.1771..435M]. First version of the Messier Catalog, see above.
• Observation du passage de Vénus sur le disque du Soleil, le 3 juin 1769. (Observation of the transit of Venus in front of the disk of the sun, on June 3, 1769). Mem. Acad, 1771, pp. 501-506 [Bibcode: 1774MmARS.1771..501M].
• Mémoire contenant les observations de la comète qui a paru en 1764, qui est la cinquante-quatrième dont l'orbite ait été calculée. (Memoir containing the observations of the comet which has appeared in 1764, which is the 54th for which its orbit has been calculated). Mem. Acad., 1771, pp. 506-517 + Pl. IX [Bibcode: 1774MmARS.1771..506M]. On comet C/1764 A1 (1764) Messier, Messier's 7th comet; the 54th with a calculated orbit. The map also shows the Messier objects M41, M42, and M50.
• Mémoire contenant les observations de la première comète qui a paru en 1760 et qui est la 51ème dont l'orbite ait été calculée, observée depuis le 8 janvier jusqu'au 30 du même moin. (Memoir containing the observations of the first comet which has appeared in 1760 and which is the 51st which has its orbit calculated, observed between January 8 and the 30th of the same month). Mem. Acad., 1772, pp. 333-342 [Bibcode: 1775MmARS.1772..333M]. Presented April 10, 1772. On comet C/1760 A1 (1759III), the first comet of 1760, the "Great Comet" of 1760. Messier's 3rd comet, the 51st with a calculated orbit.
• Mémoire contenant les observation de la seconde comète qui a paru en 1760, et qui est la 50ème dont l'orbite ait été calculée, faites depuis le 26 janvier au matin jusqu'au 18 mars au soir. (Memoir containing the observations of the second comet which appeared in 1760, and which is the 50th which has its orbit calculated, made between January 26 in the morning and March 18 in the evening). Mem. Acad., 1772, pp. 421-435 [Bibcode: 1775MmARS.1772..421M]. Presented May 23 & 30, 1772. On comet C/1760 B1 Messier (1759II) Messier, the 2nd comet of 1760. Messier's 4th comet, the 50th with a calculated orbit.
• Observations astronomiques faites à Senones. Chef-lieu de la Principauté de S.A.S. le Prince Louis régnant Salm-Salm. Pendant le mois de Septembre, Octobre & Novembre 1772. (Astronomical observations made at Senones, the capital city of the Princiaute de S.A.S. of the Prince Louis governing Salm-Salm, during the months September, October & November, 1772). Mem. Acad., 1772, pp. 456-471 [Bibcode: 1775MmARS.1772..333M].
• Occultation de Alpha2, étoile de la quatrième grandeur, de l'Ecrevisse, par la Lune, le 6 février 1773. (Occultation of Alpha2, a star of the fouth magnitude, of Cancer, by the Moon, on February 6, 1773). Mem. Acad., 1773, pp. 18-19 [Bibcode: 1777MmARS.1773...18M].
• Observations de l'éclipse horizontale du Soleil, du 23 mars 1773. (Observations of the horizontal eclipse of the Sun, of March 23, 1773). Mem. Acad., 1773, pp. 51-53 [Bibcode: 1777MmARS.1773...51M].
• Mémoire contentant les observations de deux comètes qui ont paru en 1766. (Memoir containing the observations of two comets which have appeared in 1766). Mem. Acad., 1773, pp. 157-167 [Bibcode: 1777MmARS.1773..157M]. On comets C/1766 E1 (1766I) Messier and D/1766 Helfenzrieder (D/1766 G1, 1766 Helfenzrieder-Messier). Messier's 8th and 9th comet, the 55th and the 56th with a calculated orbit.
• Observation de l'Éclipse horizontale de la Lune, du 30 Septembre 1773, au soir. (Observation of the horizontal eclipse of the Moon of September 30, 1773 in the evening). Mem. Acad., 1773, pp. 186-190 [Bibcode: 1777MmARS.1773..186M].
• Observation de l'occultation d'Aldébaran par la Lune du 14 avril 1774 au soir. (Observation of the occultation of Aldebaran by the Moon of April 14, 1774 in the evening). Mem. Acad., 1774, pp. 20-21 [Bibcode: 1778MmARS.1774...20M].
• Mémoire contenant les observations de la comète qui a paru en 1763, qui est la 53ème dont l'orbite ait été calculée. Observée de l'Observatoire de la Marine à Paris, depuis le 28 Septembre jusqu'au 25 Novembre du matin. (Memoir containing the observations of the comet which has appeared in 1763, which is the 53rd of which the orbit has been calculated. Observed at the Observatory of the Navy at Paris, from September 28 to November 25 in the morning). Mem. Acad., 1774, pp. 23-41 + Pl. II (with M5) [Bibcode: 1778MmARS.1774...23M]. On comet C/1763 S1 (1763) Messier, Messier's 6th comet, the 53rd with a calculated orbit. Also reported in the Report of the session of the Academy of January 7, 1764.
• Observation des points de lumière qui s'observant présentement sur les anses de l'anneau de Saturne, dans ses réapparation en 1774. (Observation of points of light which are observed presently in the handles of the ring of Saturn, during its reappearance in 1774). Mem. Acad., 1774, pp. 49-50 [Bibcode: 1778MmARS.1774...49M].
• Occultations d'étoiles par la Lune de Gamma du Taureau, le 25 septembre; de la même étoile; de plusieurs Hyades et d'Aldébaran, la nuit de 18 au 19 novembre 1774. (Occultations of stars by the Moon of Gamma Tauri, on September 25; of the same star; of several Hyades and of Aldebaran, in the night of November 18 and 19, 1774). Mem. Acad., 1774, pp. 73-75 [Bibcode: 1778MmARS.1774...73M].
• Mémoire concernant les observations de la quinzième comète observée depuis le 13 octobre 1773, au matin, jusqu'au 14 avril 1774. (Memoir concerning the observations of the fifteenth comet observed from October 13, 1773, in the morning, until April 14, 1774). Mem. Acad., 1774, pp. 271-329 + Pl. III (with M51) [Bibcode: 1778MmARS.1774..271M]. Comet C/1773 T1 (1773) Messier. Messier's 15th comet, the 62nd with a calculated orbit. This memoir also contains the discovery announce of M51.
• Observation de l'occultation de Saturne par la Lune, observée le 18 février 1775. (Observation of the occultation of Saturn by the Moon, observed on February 18, 1775). Mem. Acad., 1775, pp. 213-222 + Pl. V [Bibcode: 1778MmARS.1775..231M].
• Observation de l'occultation d'Aldébaran par la Lune, faites le 4 avril 1775. (Observation of the occultation of Aldebaran by the Moon, made on April 4, 1775). Mem. Acad., 1775, pp. 390-391 [Bibcode: 1778MmARS.1775..390M].
• Mémoire contenant les observations de la dixième comète observée depuis le mois d'aôut jusqu'au 1er décembre 1769. (Memoir containing the observations of the tenth comet, observed from the month August to the 1st of December, 1769). Mem. Acad., 1775, pp. 392-444 + Pl. VIII-X [Bibcode: 1778MmARS.1775..392M]. Pl. VIII also shows the Orion Nebula (M42) and M50, Pl. IX shows M10, M12, and M14. On comet C/1769 P1 (1769) Messier, Messier's 10th comet, the 57th with a calculated orbit.
• Mémoire concernant les observations de la seizième comète observée depuis le 18 aôut jusqu'au 25 octobre 1774. (Memoir concerning the observations of the sixteenth comet observed from August 18 to October 25, 1774). Mem. Acad., 1775, pp. 445-476 + Pl. XI [Bibcode: 1778MmARS.1775..445M]. Plate IX shows the place of Tycho's SN 1572, and reference to the then-new, now obsolete constellation Reindeer. On comet C/1774 P1 (1774) Montaigne. Messier's 16th comet, the 63rd with a calculated orbit.
• Occultation de l'étoile double Gamma de la Vierge par la Lune, le 1er aôut 1775; conjonction de Saturne avec la Lune le même jour et position d'une étoile de la septième grandeur, qui a du être éclipsée le même soir par la Lune. (Occultation of the double star Gamma Virginis by the Moon, on August 1, 1775; conjunction of Saturn with the Moon on the same day and position of a star of seventh magnitude, which has been eclipsed the same evening by the Moon). Mem. Acad., 1775, pp. 477-479 [Bibcode: 1778MmARS.1775..477M].
• Mémoire contenant quatre observations astronomiques. (Memoir containing four astronomical observations). Mem. Acad., 1776 (?) [Bibcode: ??].
• Mémoire sur le froid extraordinaire que l'on ressentit à Paris, dans les provinces du royaume et dans une partie de l'Europe, au commencement de cette année 1776. (Memoir on the extraordinary cold wave which was experienced at Paris, in the provinces of the kingdom and in a part of Europe, at the beginning of this year 1776). Mem. Acad., 1776, pp. 1-155 [Bibcode: 1779MmARS.1776....1M].
• Observation de l'éclipse de Lune, la nuit du 30 au 31 juillet 1776. (Observation of the eclipse of the Moon, in the night of July 30 and 31, 1776). Mem. Acad., 1776, pp. 441-456 [Bibcode: 1779MmARS.1776..441M].
• Observation de l'occultation de l'étoile Mu de la Baleine par la Lune, le 27 janvier 1776, et l'Aldébaran, la nuit du 29 au 30 de même mois. (Observation of the occultation of the star Mu of the Whale [Cetus] by the Moon, on January 27, 1776, and of Aldebaran, in the night of the 29th and 30th of the same month). Mem. Acad., 1776, pp. 580-582 [Bibcode: 1779MmARS.1776..580M].
• Observation d'une bande obscure qui paraît sur le globe de Saturne. (Observation of a dark band which appeared on the globe of Saturn). Mem. Acad., 1776, pp. 583-586 + Pl. XVIII [Bibcode: 1779MmARS.1776..583M].
• Mémoire contenant les observations de la XI.e comète, observée à Paris, de l'Observatoire de la Marine et du collège Louis-le-Grand, depuis le 14 Juin jusqu'au 3 Octobre 1770 matin. (Memoir containing the observations of the eleventh comet, observed at Paris, from the observatory of the Navy and the college Louis-the-Great, from June 14 until October 3, 1770 in the morning). Mem. Acad., 1776, pp. 597-651 + Pl. XX-XXI [Bibcode: 1779MmARS.1776..597M]. On Comet D/1770 Lexell, 1770I Messier. Messier's 11th comet, the 58th with a calculated orbit.
• Mémoire contenant les observations de la XIII.e (treizième) comète, observée pendant les mois d'Avril, Mai & Juin 1771. (Memoir containing the observations of the thirteenth comet, observed during the months April to June, 1771). Mem. Acad., 1777, pp. 154-184 + pl. I and II after p. 184. [Bibcode: 1780MmARS.1777..154M]. Charts on pl. I and II: Plate I with M1, M35, M37, M45 (and the Hyades). Plate II shows a mysterious "light cone" which Messier observed on June 3, 1771 stretching from Castor and Pollux to Capella. On comet C/1771 G1 (1771) Messier, Messier's 13th comet, the 60th with a calculated orbit.
• Mémoire contenant les observations de la XIV.e (14éme) comet. (Memoir containing the observations of the 14th comet). Read December 20, 1776. Mem. Acad., 1777, pp. 345-359 + pl. VI [Bibcode: 1780MmARS.1777..345M]. Chart on pl. VI after p. 352, with M50 and the Orion Nebula (M42). On comet 3D/Biela (3D/1772 E1, 1772 Montaigne). Messier's 14th comet, the 61st with a calculated orbit. This comet was found again on its return in 1806 (as comet 3D/1805 V1, 1806I Pons). With an addition on Lexell's work on the comet of 1770 (P/Lexell), and the discovery report of M50.
• Observation d'une aurore boréale singulière et d'une forme extraordinaire, observée le 26 février 1777. (Observation of an Aurora Borealis, singular and of extraordinary form, observed on February 26, 1777). Mem. Acad., 1777, pp. 440-463 [Bibcode: 1780MmARS.1777..440M].
• Observation singuliére d'une prodigieuse quantité de petits globules qui ont passé devant le disque du soleil, le 17 juin 1777, depuis 11 heures 46 minutes du matin, jusqu'au 11 heures 51 minutes. (Singular observation of an enormous quantity of little globules which have passed in front of the disc of the Sun on June 17, 1777, from 11:46 in the morning until 11:51). Mem. Acad., 1777, pp. 464-472 [Bibcode: 1780MmARS.1777..464M].
• Eclipse du soleil du 24 juin 1778, après-midi. (Eclipse of the Sun of June 24, 1778, in the afternoon). Mem. Acad., 1778, pp. 36-38 [Bibcode: 1781MmARS.1778...36M].
• Observations astronomiques faites au château de Saron pendant l'automne de 1778. (Astronomical observations made at Chateau de Saron during fall 1778). Mem. Acad., 1778, pp. 193-198 [Bibcode: 1781MmARS.1778..193M].
• Observation de l'éclipse de Lune, fait la nuit du 29 au 30 mai 1779. (Observation of the eclipse of the Moon, made in the night of May 29 and 30, 1779). Mem. Acad., 1779, pp. 169-171 [Bibcode: 1782MmARS.1779..169M].
• Observation de l'éclipse du Soleil du 14 juin 1779. (Observation of the eclipse of the Sun of June 14, 1779). Mem. Acad., 1779, pp. 172-174 [Bibcode: 1782MmARS.1779..172M].
• Observation de l'éclipse totale de Lune, le 23 novembre au soir. (Observation of the total eclipse of the Moon on November 23 in the evening). Mem. Acad., 1779, pp. 175-177 [Bibcode: 1782MmARS.1779..175M].
• Mémoire contenant les observations de la XVIIe comète. (Memoir containing the observations of the 17th comet). Mem. Acad., 1779, pp. 318-372 + pl. XVI [Bibcode: 1782MmARS.1779..318M]. Chart on Pl. XIV after p. 372 with the large number of 28 Messier Objects: M3, M13, M27, M29, M49, M53, M56, M57, M58, M59, M60, M61, M63, M64, M71, M84, M85, M86, M87, M88, M89, M90, M91 [Messier's wrong position], M92, M94, M98, M99, and M100. On comet C/1779 A1 (1779) Bode. Messier's 17th comet, the 64th with a calculated orbit. Discoveries of M56, M57, M58, M59, M60, M61; announce of M49, M53; also listing M3, M13, M27, M63, M64, M71.
• Mémoire contenant les observations de la comète observée à Paris, vers la Grand Ourse, depuis le 27 octobre jusqu'au 29 novembre 1780. (Memoir containing the observations of the comet observed at Paris, toward Ursa Major, from October 27 to November 29, 1780). Mem. Acad., 1780, pp. 515-541 + pl. X [Bibcode: 1784MmARS.1780..515M]. Chart on pl. X after p. 528 with M65/66. On comet C/1780 U2 (1780) Messier, the 2nd comet of 1780. Messier's 18th comet, the 65th with a calculated orbit. In this memoir, Messier also mentions the presumed first comet of 1780, discovered by Montaigne (comet C/1780 U1 or 1780II Montaigne-Olbers), which he could not find.
• Mémoire contenant les observations de deux comètes de 1781. (Memoir containing the observations of the two comets of 1781). Mem. Acad., 1781, pp. 349-368 [Bibcode: 1784MmARS.1781..349M]. On comets C/1781 M1 (1781I) Méchain and C/1781 T1 (1781II) Méchain, the first and the second comet of 1781. Messier's 19th and 20th comet, the 66th and 67th with a calculated orbit.
• Observation de l'éclipse du Soleil de 17 octobre 1781. (Observation of the eclipse of the Sun of October 17, 1781). Mem. Acad., 1782, pp. 652-657 [Bibcode: 1785MmARS.1782..652M].
• Observation du passage de Mercure sur le disque du Soleil, le 12 novembre 1782. (Observation of the transit of Mercury over the disc of the Sun on November 12, 1782). Mem. Acad., 1782, pp. 658-662 + Pl. XV & XVI [Bibcode: 1785MmARS.1782..658M]. With remarks on Messier's accident of November 6, 1781.
• Observation de deux éclipses totales de la Lune en 1783. (Observation of two total eclipses of the Moon in 1783). Mem. Acad., 1783, pp. 104-122 [Bibcode: 1786MmARS.1783..104M].
• Mémoire contenant les observations de la comète de 1783. (Memoir containing the observations of the comet of 1783). Mem. Acad., 1783, pp. 123-132 + pl. III [Bibcode: 1786MmARS.1783..123M]. Chart on pl. III after p. 132, with comets 1766 1 and 1766 2, 1785 1, and the "nebula" M33. On comet D/1783 W1 (P/1783) Pigott. Messier's 21st comet, the 68th with a calculated orbit.
• Mémoire contenant les observations de la première comète de 1784, observée à Paris. (Memoir containing the observations of the first comet of 1784, observed at Paris). Mem. Acad., 1784, pp. 313-327 + pl. VII [Bibcode: 1787MmARS.1784..313M]. Chart on pl. VII after p. 326. On comet C/1783 X1 (1784), the Great Comet of 1784. Messier's 22nd comet, the 69th with a calculated orbit.
• Observation de l'éclipse de Lune. (Observation of the eclipse of the Moon). Mem. Acad., 1784, pp. 328-330 [Bibcode: 1787MmARS.1784..328M].
• Mémoire contenant les observations de la première comète de 1785. (Memoir containing the observations of the first comet of 1785). Mem. Acad., 1785, pp. 639-645 [Bibcode: 1788MmARS.1785..639M]. Chart on p. 644. On comet C/1785 A1 (1785I) Messier-Méchain, Messier's 23rd comet, the 71st with a calculated orbit.
• Mémoire contenant les observations de la seconde comète de 1785. (Memoir containing the observations of the second comet of 1785). Mem. Acad., 1785, pp. 646-655 [Bibcode: 1788MmARS.1785..646M]. Chart on p. 654. On comet C/1785 E1 (1785 II) Méchain, the second comet of 1785, Messier's 24th comet, the 72nd with a calculated orbit.
• Occultation de quelques étoiles des Pléiades. (Occultation of some stars of the Pleiades). Mem. Acad., 1785, pp. 656-658 [Bibcode: 1788MmARS.1785..656M].
• Occultation de Vénus par la Lune. (Occultation of Venus by the Moon). Mem. Acad., 1785, pp. 659-660 [Bibcode: 1788MmARS.1785..659M].
• Premiere comète observée en 1786. (First comet observed in 1786). Mem. Acad., 1786, pp. 95-97 [Bibcode: 1788MmARS.1786...95M]. On comet 2P/1786 B1 (1786I) Méchain, the first comet of 1786, Messier's 25th comet. This was recovered on later apparitions and is now known as 2P/Encke.
• Mémoire contenant les observations de la seconde comète de 1786. (Memoir containing the observations of the second comet of 1786). Mem. Acad., 1786, pp. 98-120 [Bibcode: 1788MmARS.1786...98M]. On comet C/1786 P1 (1786II) Herschel, the second comet of 1786, Messier's 26th comet, the 73rd with a calculated orbit.
• Observation du passage de Mercure sur le disque du Soleil. (Observation of the transit of Mercury over the disk of the Sun). Mem. Acad., 1786, pp. 121-131 [Bibcode: 1788MmARS.1786..121M].
• Comète de 1787, observée à Paris, de l'Observatoire de la Marine, depuis le 11 avril jusqu'au 20 mai. (Comet of 1787, observed at Paris, at the Observatory of the Navy, between April 11 and May 20). Mem. Acad., 1787, pp. 70-75 + pl. I [Bibcode: 1789MmARS.1787...70M]. Chart on Pl. I facing p. 75, showing parts of the Hyades and the Pleiades (M45), as well as planet Jupiter. On comet C/1787 G1 (1787) Méchain, the comet of 1787, Messier's 27th comet, the 74th with a calculated orbit.
• Observation de l'éclipse du Soleil. (Observation of the eclipse of the Sun). Mem. Acad., 1787 [Bibcode: 1789MmARS.1787..???M].
• Observations de la première comète de 1788, découverte et observée à Paris, à l'observatoire de la Marine, aux mois de novembre et de décembre, avec un détail abrég&eacte; du grand hiver 1788 à 1789. (Observations of the first comet of 1788, discovered and observed at Paris, at the observatory of the Navy, in the months November and December, with a detailed summary of the great winter of 1788 and 1789). Mem. Acad., 1789, pp. 665-685 [Bibcode: 1793MmARS.1789..665M]. On comet C/1788 W1 (1788I) Messier, the first comet of 1788, Messier's 28th comet, the 75th with a calculated orbit.
• Observation de la seconde comète de 1788, découverte en Angleterre par Miss Herschel, le 21 décembre, observée à Paris les 5 et 7 janvier 1789. (Observation of the second comet of 1788, discovered at England by Miss Herschel, on December 21, observed at Paris on January 5 and 7, 1789). Mem. Acad., 1789, pp. 681-684 [Bibcode: 1793MmARS.1789..681M]. On comet 35P/1788 Y1 (1788II) Herschel), the second comet of 1788, Messier's 29th comet, and the 76th with a calculated orbit. This comet was recovered on a later apparition and is now known as 35P/Herschel-Rigollet.
• Observation du passage de Mercure sur le disque du Soleil, le 5 novembre 1789. (Observation of the transit of Mercury over the disk of the Sun, on November 5, 1789). Mem. Acad., 1790 [Bibcode: 1797MmARS.1790..???M].
• Mémoire contenant:
  1.: les observations des quatre epoques des disparitions et reapparitions des anses de l'anneau de Saturne en 1789 et 1790;
  2.: observations de plusiers points de lumière vus frequemment sur les anses de l'anneau et de l'ombre de l'anneau projete sur le disque de Saturne;
  3.: observations de trois oppositions de Saturne au Soleil, en 1788, 1789, et 1790, pour bien constater le lieu de cette planéte;
  4.: une carte de la route apparente de Saturne, qui represente les autres observations des disparitions et reapparitions des anses de l'anneau.
  (Memoir containing:
  1.: the observations of four epochs of disappearances and reappaerances of the anses of the ring of Saturn in 1789 and 1790;
  2.: observations of several points of light seen frequently in the anses of the ring, and the shadow of the ring projected on the disk of Saturn;
  3.: observations of three oppositions of Saturn to the Sun, in 1788, 1789 and 1790, for well determining the position of this planet;
  4.: a chart of the apparent path of Saturn, which represents the other observations of the disappearances and reappaerances of the anses of the ring).
  Mem. Acad., 1790 [Bibcode: 1797MmARS.1790..???M].
• Observations de la premièere cométe de 1790, découverte en Angleterre par Miss Herschel, Observée à Paris, de l'observatoire de la Marine, le 19 et le 20 janvier. (Observations of the first comet of 1790, discovered in England by Miss Herschel, Observed at Paris, at the observatory of the Navy, on January 19 and 20). Mem. Acad., 1790, pp. 309-312 + pl. III [Bibcode: 1797MmARS.1790..309M]. Chart on Pl. III following p. 312. This map also shows "Nebula" M15. On comet C/1790 A1 (1790I) Herschel, the first comet of 1790, Messier's 30th comet, and the 77th with a calculated orbit.
• Observations de la seconde cométe de 1790, découverte à Paris par Pierre-François-André Méchain, le 9 Janvier, Observé à l'observatoire de la Marine, depuis le 11 jusqu'au 22 du mème mois. (Observations of the second comet of 1790, discovered at Paris by Pierre-François-André Méchain, on January 9, Observed at the observatory of the Navy from the 11th to the 22nd of the same month). Mem. Acad., 1790, pp. 313-319 + pl. IV [Bibcode: 1797MmARS.1790..313M]. Chart on Pl. IV facing p. 318. The map shows an unlabeled "nebula" at the position of M77. On comet 8P/1790 A2 (1790II) Méchain, the second comet of 1790, Messier's 31st comet, and the 78th with a calculated orbit. This comet was recovered on later apparitions and is now known as 8P/Tuttle.
• Observations de la troisième cométe de 1790, découverte en Angleterre par Miss Herschel, le 17 April au matin. Observée à Paris de l'Observatoire de la Marine, depuis le 1er mai jusqu'au 29 Juin. (Observaitons of the third comet of 1790, discovered in England by Miss Herschel, on April 17 in the morning. Observed at Paris at the Observatory of the Navy, from May 1 to June 29). Mem. Acad., 1790, pp. 320-343 + pl. V [Bibcode: 1797MmARS.1790..320M]. Chart on Pl. V, facing p. 344. This chart contains a large number of unlabeled positions of "nebulae:" M31, M32, M33, M74, M76, M34, M52, M81, M82, M97, M51, NGC 5195 (!), M63, M94, M64, M65, M66, as well as Virgo Cluster galaxies M98, M99, M100, M85, M84, M86, M87, M88, M89, M90, M91, M58, M59, M60 and M49, the Coma Berenice star cluster, as well as the position of Tycho's supernova (SN 1572). It does not contain the position of M95 and M96, nor M103 (which Messier had presumably determined in 1781 after publication of the catalog), M108 and M109 which Messier had seen in 1781, nor that of Méchain's discoveries M105 and M106. On comet C/1790 H1 (1790III) Herschel, the third comet of 1790, Messier's 32nd comet, and the 79th with a calculated orbit.
• Observations de l'éclipse totale de Lune, nuit de 22/23 octobre 1790. (Observations of the total eclipse of the Moon, in the night of October 22/23, 1790). Mem. Acad., 1790 [Bibcode: 1797MmARS.1790..???M].

• Observation de l'éclipse du soleil du 6 messidor an V (24/6/1797), faite à Paris de l'observatoire de la Marine. (Observation of the eclipse of the sun on 6 Messidor of the year V (June 24, 1797), made at Paris at the observatory of the Navy). Rec. Inst., Vol. 2, 1799 (an VII), pp. 339-340 [Bibcode: 1799RecIn...2..339M].
• Comète de l'an VI, découverte et observée par le citoyen Messier. (Comet of the year VI [1798], discovered and observed by the citizen Messier). Rec. Inst., Vol. 2, 1799 (an VII), pp. 429-430 [Bibcode: 1799RecIn...2..429M].
• Observation de la sublimation du mercure, dans la partie vide des tubes de barimétre, produite par les rayons du soleil. (Observation of the sublimation of mercury, in the empty part of the tubes of a baromèter. [Observations about 1760]). Rec. Inst., Vol. 2, 1799 (an VII), pp. 473-483 [Bibcode: 1799RecIn...2..473M].
• Année moyenne, conclue des observationes météorologiques faites à Paris, pendant trente trois anns (1763-1781 et 1783-96) par Messier et, à Montmorency, pendant 29 ans (1768-96). (Average year, concluded from meteorological observations made at Paris, during 33 years (1763-1781 and 1783-96) by Messier and, at Montmorency, during 29 years (1768-96)). Rec. Inst., Vol. 4, 1803, pp. 266-267 [Bibcode: 1803RecIn...4..266M].
• Observations: 1. sur les grandes chaleurs, la sécheresse et la diminution des eaux de la Seine, à Paris, pendant les mois de juillet et aôut 1793, comparées aux chaleurs observées les années précédentes, à compter de 1753; 2. sur la chaleur directe des rayons du Soleil, sur les thermometres, en 1793; 3. sur la chaleur de l'eau exposée au soleil, dans un bocal de verre très mince, en 1793. (Observations: 1. of the great heats, the drought and the diminution of water of the Seine, at Paris, during the months July and August 1793, compared to the heats observed in preceding years, reported since 1753; 2. of the direct heat of solar rays, on thermomèters, in 1793; 3. of the heating of water exposed to the sun, in a very tiny glass, in 1793.) Rec. Inst., Vol. 4, 1803, pp. 501-564 [Bibcode: 1803RecIn...4..501M].
• Description de cercles ou de couronnes, de differentes couleurs, autour de la lune, observées le 4 pluviose an VII (23/1/1799). (Description of circles and coronae, of different colors, around the moon, observed on the 4th Pluviose of the year VII (January 23, 1799)). Rec. Inst., Vol. 5, 1804, pp. 130-134 [Bibcode: 1804RecIn...5..130M].
• Observation du passage de Mercure sur le disque du Soleil, le 18 floreal an VII (7/5/1799). (Observation of the transit of Mercury over the disk of the Sun, on the 18th Floreal of the year VII (May 7, 1799)). Rec. Inst., Vol. 5, 1804, pp. 177-183 [Bibcode: 1804RecIn...5..177M].
• Comète découverte le 23 messidor an IX (12 julliet 1801). (Comet discovered on the 23rd Messidor of the year IX (July 12, 1801)). Rec. Inst., Vol. 6, 1806, p. 62 [Bibcode: 1806RecIn...6...62M].
• Observation de l'éclipse de Soleil du 29 thermidor matin an IX. (17 aôut 1803). (Observation of the eclipse of the Sun of the morning of the 29th Thermidor of the year IX (August 17, 1803)). Rec. Inst., Vol. 6, 1806, p. 63 [Bibcode: 1806RecIn...6...63M].
• Observation de l'éclipse du soleil du 21 pluviose an XII (11 février 1804). (Observation of the eclipse of the sun of the 21st Pluviose of the year XII (February 11, 1804)). Rec. Inst., Vol. 6, 1806 [Bibcode: 1806RecIn...6?????M].
• Reapparition de la planéte d'Olbers ou Pallas, a sa sortie des rayons du Soleil, dans la constellation de Pegase. (Reappearance of the planet of Olbers, or Pallas, at its leaving of the rays of the Sun, in the constellation of Pegasus). Rec. Inst., Vol. 6, 1806 [Bibcode: 1806RecIn...6?????M].
• Observations diverses. (Various observations). Rec. Inst., Vol. 7, 1806, pp. 106-112 [Bibcode: 1806RecIn...7..106M]. On the transit of Mercury of November 17, 1802, and an observation of asteroid (2) Pallas on May 28, 1803.
• Observations et dessin de la grande et belle nébuleuse de la ceinture d'Androméde, la première qui fut découverte, et de deux petites nébuleuses, l'une au-dessus de la grande et le seconde au-dessous, vues dans une lunette qui renverse, comme le dessin. (Observations and drawing of the great and beautiful nebula in the girdle of Andromeda, the first which was discovered, and the two small nebulae, the one above the great and the second below it, viewed with a reversing telescope, with the drawing.) Rec. Inst., Vol. 8 (Mém. de l'Institut, Premier Semestre de 1807), 1807, pp. 207-213 + Plate [Bibcode: 1807RecIn...8..207M].

Other publications:

• Découverte d'une comète dans la constellation du Dragon. (Discovery of a comet in the constellation Draco). Report to a session of the Academy on January 7, 1764. On comet C/1763 S1 (1763) Messier, Messier's 6th comet, the 53rd with a calculated orbit. Also reported in Mem. Acad., 1774, pp. 23-41.
• Journal de voyage de M. le marquis de Courtanvaux sur la Frégate Aurore. (Journal of the voyage of M. le marquis de Courtanvaux with the Fregate Aurore). Royal Printing Office, Paris, 1768.
• Messier's meteorological observations between 1763 and 1772 were published in a paper by Father L. Cotte (1740-1815), known for its works on meteorology:
  Cotte, L. (Le P.), 1773. Mémoire sur la météorologie, qui contient l'extrait des observations météorologiques, faites à Paris pendant dix ans, depuis le 1er janvier 1763, jusqu'au 31 décembre 1772, par M. Messier, de l'Académie royale des Sciences, avec une méthode pour analyser ces sortes d'observations. Mémoires de mathématiques et de physique présentés à l'Académie des sciences de Paris par divers savans, v.7, p.427-502.
• Observation d'une comète trouvee le 7/1/1785 par Messier et Méchain. (Observation of a comet found on 01/07/1785 [January 7, 1785] by Messier and Méchain). Journal des Savants, 1785. On comet C/1785 A1 (1785I) Messier-Méchain, the 1st comet of 1785, Messier's 21st comet, the 68th with a calculated orbit. Originally reported in Mem. Acad., 1785, pp. 639-645.
• Grande comète qui a paru à la naissance de Napoléon le Grand, découverte le 8 aôut 1769 et observée pendant quatre mois. (Great comet which has appeared at the birth of Napoleon the Great, discovered on August 8, 1769 and observed during four months). Published by Delance, Paris, 1808. On comet C/1769 P1 (1769) Messier, Messier's 10th comet, the 57th with a calculated orbit; originally reported in Mem. Acad., 1775, pp. 157-167.

Manuscript notes:

• Journal (manuscript), Vol. 1, 1751-54. Covers the time from Messier's arrival at Paris to August 7, 1754.
  • Le passage de Mercure devant le Soleil le 6 mai 1753. (The transit of Mercury in front of the Sun on May 6, 1753). Contains a drawing by Messier after observational notes by Delisle.
• Observations célestes faites à l'Hôtel de Cluny (1753-1756) (Celestial observations made at Hotel de Cluny (1753-1756)). 3 bound volumes, manuscript.
• Journal (manuscript), Vol. 2, 1754-55.
• Journal (manuscript), Vol. 3, 1755-57. Covers the time from Nov. 1, 1755 to the beginning of 1757.
• Journal (manuscript), Vol. 4, 1757-58. Covers Mar. 21, 1757 to the month July 1758.
• Journal des observations astronomiques faites à l'Observatoire de la Marine (1/1/1757-30/9/1760). (Journal of astronomical observations made at the Observatory of the Navy (January 1, 1757 - September 30, 1760)). Manuscript, Paris Observatory No. C2-19.
• Notice de mes comètes (Notes on my comets; 1758-1805). 13 pages. Manuscript, Paris Observatory No. C2-19.

Links

• Gallica: The Bibliotheque Nationale de France (National Library of France) has made available online scanned versions of many of the historical sources, notably the volumes of the Royal Academy of Sciences, the Philosophical Transactions, and the Recueil de l'Institut. Best access through their "Périodiques" page.
• Some of Messier's Comet Maps (online thanks to Henk Bril)
• Messier's publications in the Volumes of the Royal Academy (1759-1790), by Felice Stoppa (in Italian)
• Messier e le sue comete, by G.M. Caglieris (in Italian)

References

• Jean-Paul Philbert. Charles Messier. Le furet des comètes. Editions Pierron, 2 rue Gutenberg, 57206 Sarreguemines, France, 2000.

Last Modification: June 15, 2007