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Messier Contests

Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2020 5:50 pm
by Gordon
Many members who followed us over from the old forum will remember the Messier Contests. These are really more of a way to challenge yourself than a contest. It appears things have slowed down a bit, and we would like to take this opportunity to re-introduce everyone.

It's pretty simple,

Tier 1: Observe 35 Messier Objects
Tier 2: Observe 35 more Messier Objects, for a total of 70
Tier 3: Observe 40 more Messier Objects, for a total of 110**

This can be done in any manner you wish. Visual, Sketches or Astrophotography.

Here's a link to the information. We hope everyone will accept the 'Challenge' and give this a shot!
viewforum.php?f=87

Re: Messier Contests

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2020 2:06 am
by bladekeeper
And the best thing is, it's loads of fun!

By the time one works through the Messier Catalog, you've unwittingly developed a keen observing eye and you are primed to step forth with confidence into the broader universe of deep-sky observing.

When I started out, I worked through the Messier Catalog in about 4 months with my 12" dobsonian.

But! You don't need large aperture to view these objects provided you aren't inundated with light pollution. I've been working back through the objects with one of my 80mm refractors in my typically Bortle 5 backyard sky. Using my notes supplemented with some from my other scopes, I was able to earn my TSS Messier badges. My notes are here if interested: https://www.theskysearchers.com/viewtop ... =89&t=7699

Plus you get a cool looking, suitable for framing, certificate!
Cert Sample.PNG
Which just reminded me, I owe a couple of folks a certificate... :shock:

Re: Messier Contests

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2020 4:40 am
by 10538
Hi Bryan! I had a fun time reading your notes which reminded me of how much fun it is to observe the Messier catalogue. I never get tired of checking them out with different scopes and magnifications. They are like revisiting old friends! :Astronomer1: :lol:

Re: Messier Contests

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2020 4:02 pm
by Dragonsfire
Awesome Bryan :occasion-balloons:

Re: Messier Contests

Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2020 12:09 am
by helicon
It's a whole lot of fun. While it took me about 18 months (I'm no Bryan) it was very satisfying. All with a 10" Dob.

Re: Messier Contests

Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2020 4:44 pm
by SonnyE
Oh Dear!
I guess I'll have to get organized now.
My Messier's are messy and filed by date, not item.
Time to clean up my act. :lol:
I doubt I have 20 yet.

Re: Messier Contests

Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2020 11:04 am
by Graeme1858
bladekeeper wrote: Thu Mar 05, 2020 2:06 am And the best thing is, it's loads of fun!

I won't be completing in 4 months! I've missed a few and will have to wait for them to come round again.

But you're quite right Bryan, it is fun and you get to see and learn about objects you might not bother with ordinarily. Like who would have known there's a small planetary nebula in the middle of M46? I will probably go back to that with the 9.25 next winter.

Regards

Graeme

Re: Messier Contests

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 6:47 pm
by Baurice
How many points do you get for writing a book about them?

Re: Messier Contests

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 7:13 pm
by sdbodin
Tried to post to my Messier gallery album today and got this:
general error.jpg
Not sure what to do?
Steve

Re: Messier Contests

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 8:59 pm
by Graeme1858
sdbodin wrote: Fri Apr 10, 2020 7:13 pm Tried to post to my Messier gallery album today ......

Steve

The Gallery is temporarilly out of order unfortunatly.

There will be an anouncement when it's back up and running.

I've been posting my Messiers in my Messier thread.

Regards

Graeme