VAS MESSIER CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
A Messier Certificate will be awarded to any VAS member, in good standing (dues are paid up), who observes a certain number or of Messier (M) objects. The Messier list is a catalogue of 110 deep sky objects. The original list had 104 objects, the adjusted list of 110 objects contain deep sky objects found in Charles Messier’s observing notes but not in his list of objects to avoid while comet hunting. This catalogue contains some of the best deep sky objects.
Certificates will be awarded in the following categories: Binocular and Telescopic
Criteria For Certificates:
Binocular:
Observe and record 20 or more Messier Objects. Binoculars can be hand held or mounted on a tripod.
A special certificate will be awarded to observers who get 50 or more M-objects using Binoculars. Large binoculars (11X80’s or larger) on a tripod are recommended for this.
Telescopic:
Observe and record 70 or more Messier Objects. A 6" Newtonian under good conditions will show you all 110 M-objects, although any size telescope can be used.
A special certificate will be awarded to observers who get all 110 M-objects.
Required Information:
1) Name
2) Date of observation
3) Time of observation
4) Name of object
5) Constellation
6) Short description as it appeared in your binoculars or telescope or a sketch of the object as seen through your binocular or telescope.
Examples of descriptions: Open Cluster, condensed with many faint members. Globular Cluster, very faint, averted vision required. Globular Cluster, faint with central condensation. Open Cluster, very loose with few faint members.