Many amateur astronomers start their viewing quest with the famous Messier Catalog, but after they have worked their
way through that catalog, what next?
The Ancient City Astronomy Club of St. Augustine, Florida (ACAC) dealt with that question after reading
a letter to the editor of Sky & Telescope in 1980 that suggested amateur astronomers should set their gaze upon the
2,500 targets identified in William Herschels original catalog.
The ACAC expanded their quest to include the 5,000 objects the New General Catalog (NGC). They culled the best and brightest
to form their list and called it the Herschel 400.
The Astronomical League has created an observing program for the Herschel 400.
It is an advanced amateur astronomer challenge with telescopes 6” and larger.
