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?
M = brass
NGC = New General Catalogue
The difference is old. Some objects are available in both catalogues, e.g. M31 = NGC224
Thank you. At the age of objects or catalogues?
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_General_Catalogue
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier-Katalog