Binocular Messier Club Introduction

Introduction:

The Binocular Messier Club is for beginning observers as well as experienced amateurs. Beginning observers will find that it doesn't take an expensive telescope but only a simple pair of binoculars, no matter what size, cost or condition, to do serious astronomy. On the other hand, experienced amateurs, even though they may already have the A.L.'s telescopic Messier and Herschel certificates, 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.

Rules and Regulations:

To qualify for the A.L.'s Binocular Messier Certificate, you need only be
a member of the Astronomical League, through either an affiliated society or as a member-at-large, 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 found in the back of the Astronomical League's manual "Observe: A Guide to the Messier Objects", 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 Binocular Messier Certificate and award pin, simply send your observations along with your name, address, phone number, and society affiliation to:

Mike Benson
2308 Dundee Lane
Nashville, TN 37214-1520
(615) 883-6571
E-mail: ocentaurus@aol.com

Upon verification of your observations, your certificate will be forwarded to
either you or your society's "Awards Co-ordinator", whomever you choose.

The Appendices:

For those of you who are uncertain as to which Messier objects to observe, or who need a formal program to follow, we have included Appendix A and Appendix B 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. The point is that anyone, with any pair of binoculars, no matter what their size, shape, condition, or cost, can do serious astronomy, and acquire a Binocular Messier Club certificate. To prove that point, all 76 objects in Appendix A (Easy, Tough, and Challenge objects) were observed with a pair of 7x35 Tasco binoculars purchased at Wal-Mart for $19.00.

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. Also, Appendix C lists all of the Messier objects in the exact same order as the Astronomical League's Observe manual "Observe: A Guide to the Messier Objects", in case you are using that as an observing aide.

I look forward to your sharing your binocular Messier observations with me. I think you will find that this is a worthwhile program that will not only give you a whole new perspective on the universe in which we live, but a more comfortable feeling for the night sky that we all enjoy so much. Good luck.

Clear skies, and good observing.

- Mike Benson