After two and a half years and having finally managed to locate M83 I’m pleased to say I’ve finally found every Messier object. I started with an ST80 and have gradually moved up through an ST102 and ST120 to my current 10″ dob, though I’ve seen every one with the 120 or smaller at some point. M83 is a challenge even from my relatively southerly location in the UK as it barely makes nine degrees above the horizon at best so finding it wasn’t exactly the most stunning event, but it will go on my list of “things to look for when on holiday further south”.
I intend to revisit all the Messier objects with the 10″ dob now, but it’s time to find some other targets too, I think.