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Introduction.
There is nothing in the catalog that the owner of so humble an instrument as a three-inch reflector cannot reach under good observing conditions. Many of the objects can be seen with binoculars and some with the naked eye. Thus, the Messier Catalog is a happy hunting ground for any amateur with a taste for deep sky objects. Even an extremely brief review of the history of Messier's Catalog will explain why it contains so many bright and easy clusters and nebulae. Charles Messier (1730-1817) was a French astronomer who developed an intense interest in comet hunting. While he had other achievements to his credit, this was his chief occupation during his long observing career. In this, he was so successful that he probably observed half of the comets known in his time. He discovered about twenty. It was to keep track of the star clusters and nebulae which might have otherwise confused him by their comet-like appearance, that he began to catalog and describe them. In commenting on his catalog in later years, he frankly stated that he had compiled it in order to aid other comet hunters. There is a slight touch of irony in the fact that Messier's chief claim to immortality grew out of his efforts to rid himself of a nuisance to what, he felt, was his important life's work. As might be expected, Messier's telescopes were all modest instruments, none of them exceeding the capacity of telescopes amateurs can expect to own today. Messier did not discover all the objects in his catalog and he never made any such claim. Many of the objects were called to his attention by his contemporaries, notably Pierre Méchain and the fact was always carefully noted. The catalog was published in several stages as additions were made to it, the first 45 entries being printed in 1771. In its classic form, it contained 103 entries. Studies of Messier's papers and correspondence (Dr. Helen Sawyer Hogg and Dr. Owen Gingerich) suggest that another four to six objects should be added to bring the total to 110. The prospective observer should be warned that if he follows the older editions of the catalog, or many of the older charts, he may find nothing in the position indicated. More recent editions have corrected these errors but there are a few entries about which there is some doubt. RulesDecatur Area Astronomy Club offers special recognition in the form of a Messier Observation Certificate for those members that have observed most or all of the Messier objects. To obtain an award you must observe the following rules: Observe 70 Messier objects and keep a record of your observations. Your notes must show:
Have your notebook or record examined by the observing program committee. At this point you are eligible for your Basic Messier Observation Program Certificate. When you have observed the balance of the Messier Objects, have your notebook or records examined again., and upon successful completion of the review you will receive your Master Messier Observers Certificate.
You must be a member of Decatur Area Astronomy Club to receive these certificates. This documents is in Adobe PDF format. If you need a copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader you may download it by clicking the icon below.
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Almost
every amateur astronomer begins to be aware of the Messier Catalog as soon as he
or she opens their first book. The novice is sure to find some spectacular
object pictured and designated by its "Messier Number" with the universal
abbreviation "M". Of the myriads of star clusters and nebulae scattered over the
sky only about 100 (perhaps 110 at most) can claim membership to this celebrated
list. However, this happens to include most, but not quite all, of the finest of
these objects observable from mid-northern latitudes. 