M40 / Winnecke 4

Dear Friends,

Perhaps the strangest entry in Messier's catalog is M40 which is the
double star Winnecke 4. Although some interesting and attractive
galaxies exist in the immediate area, they are too faint to have been
visible with Messier's equipment and, as such, something else must have
distracted Messier for him to catalogue this entry.

For those interested, please see http://www.perseus.gr/Astro-DSO-M40.htm
..... taken under noticeable winds and seeing which fluctuated dramatically.

Clear skies!

Anthony.