Sangamon Astronomical Society's Binocular Messier Observation Program |
| This program is for beginning as well as experienced observers. Observers will enjoy the new perspective binocular observing gives them as they pull back from an object and observe the area around that object as well as the object itself. Seeing the object and its relationship to the sky around it will put that object in its proper context in the sky. |
| To qualify for the S.A.S Binocular Messier Certificate, you need to be a member of S.A.S and observe 50 or more Messier objects using only binoculars. Any 50 of the 110 recognized Messier objects may be observed. Any pair of binoculars may be used, but those with objectives between 20MM and 80MM in diameter are recommended. To record your observations, you may use the log sheets provided below or any similar log sheet. The required information is: the name of the object; date and time of the observation; an estimate of the seeing and transparency; the size and power of the binoculars used; and perhaps, a brief comment on what you saw. To receive your certificate of completion, you must complete the observation list and submit your logs for review. |
| The Appendices: For those of you who are uncertain as to which Messier objects to observe, Appendix A and Appendix B have been included for your use. Appendix A is for binoculars between 20MM and 50MM in diameter. Appendix B is for binoculars between 56MM and 80MM in diameter. Each appendix lists the appropriate Messier objects that can be observed with that size instrument, and is divided into three categories: Easy, Tough, and Challenge objects. Easy objects are those that appear large and bright in the field of view, and are easily located. Tougher objects are small and dim in the field of view and require identifying the fields around them with the help of some sort of star chart to verify their location. Challenge objects are those that are small and faint, sometimes requiring averted vision, and need to be pinpointed exactly on a good star atlas to identify. |
| You will notice that in the small binocular category (Appendix A), 42 objects are classified as easy. You need only choose 8 of the objects in the tougher category to receive your certificate. |
| For larger binoculars (Appendix B), all 50 objects needed to receive the certificate can be chosen out of the easy category. |
| Appendix C is for reference purposes, listing all 110 of the Messier objects at the times when they are best observed, and in constellation sequence. So, if you are wondering what is the best time of the year to observe a Messier object, refer to Appendix C. Appendix C tells you which season to observe each object, each object's coordinates, their NGC numbers, the constellation they are located in, and their sizes and magnitudes. |
| Download Appendix A |
| Download Appendix B |
| Download Appendix C |
| Download Messier list sorted by "M" number |
| Download the Binocular Messier Observation Log |
| Receipients of the Binocular Messier Program Certificate |
