#xkcd 2851

[todays-xkcd]

The debate over the correct Messier number for the Ship of Theseus is ongoing.

Messier Objects [Explained]

Transcript Under the Cut

[Multiple objects are labelled with M followed by a number.]

[There is a tree, a butterfly, a squirrel, a man with a powdered wig labeled Charles Messier, a squirrel, and ground.] M137 (Earth) (pointing to the ground)

M205 (Charles Messier) (pointing to Charles Messier)

M21860 (pointing to a tree on the left of the panel)

M41592 (pointing to a butterfly above Charles)

M30712050 (pointing to a squirrel)

[Caption below the panel:] People usually focus on the first 110, but the Messier Catalog actually includes all objects.