What do these abbreviations for deep-sky objects stand for?

I mean the abbreviations M (eg M31, the Andromeda Galaxy) and NGC.

  • what is the difference between them?
  • Are there any other abbreviations?
  • What do the abbreviations stand for?
  • What is noted in each one?
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hologence
2 years ago

M = brass

NGC = New General Catalogue

The difference is old. Some objects are available in both catalogues, e.g. M31 = NGC224