(1730–1817), French astronomer. He discovered a number of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters, which he designated by M numbers. Almost all of these designations, such as M1 (the Crab Nebula), are still in use today.
Definition of Messier, Charles in US English:
Messier, Charles
proper nounmesˈyā
(1730–1817), French astronomer. He discovered a number of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters, which he designated by M numbers.