20 years ago I completed the Astronomical League’s Messier Observing  Program while a member of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society. So what’s the Messier (pronounced MEH-see-yay) Observing program? I’m glad you asked.

The Messier List is an exceptional list of brighter deep-sky objects primarily made up of open and globular clusters, galaxies, planetary nebulae and other nebulae. In my opinion it’s the perfect list to learn your way around the sky.  I highly recommend this program for those new to the hobby. It’s a fantastic way to learn how to star-hop using a telescope in order to find all 110 Messier objects.

You’ll learn a great deal about the different objects that you locate, how to find those objects in the sky and since there are new objects on the list coming into view with the passing of the seasons, it helps maintain the excitement and anticipation of not only your next observing session but of new objects to observe over a calendar year.

But before the learned observers pipe up about doing a “messier marathon” let me explain what that is. So, yes, it is possible to knock out all or most of the 110 Messier objects in the course of a night or two, hence the name, “messier marathon.” This typically can be done in March but I certainly do not recommend it for those new to the hobby. Save the marathon for later as a fun way to challenge yourself some Spring.

Now before you say, “Listen here “astro boy,” I’m new to the hobby. I just picked up a telescope during the pandemic and I’m just figuring out how it and the sky works. 110 objects!? That’s way too many to bother trying to find.”  Perfect! Then you’re the person who needs this program!

The Messier Observing Program is open to all who are interested. So even if you are not a member of a club or society that has AL membership you can still complete it as “a member at large.” I recommend joining a club and finding a buddy who’s just as eager to complete the list as you are. It makes for a great experience and working together just makes it easier when you hit a rough spot.

So who was Charles Messier (1730-1817)?  Messier was a French astronomer who’s primary goal was hunting comets. He was successful in this endeavor with 13 comet discoveries to his name and a handful more as a co-discoverer.

He spent his nights with his 100mm (4″) refractor observing the sky for comets atop what is now a museum in downtown Paris. Occasionally he’d happen across something that might be a comet but would soon be ruled out since the object didn’t move relative to the background stars. Being trained in the method of logging the precise locations of celestial objects it just made sense to note these “non-comet objects” in case he happened upon them again, and so the Messier catalogue as it’s known was born.

The Astronomical League has broken the list down into two parts if you wish to work it that way. After observing 70 of the objects you can have your observations reviewed and turned in to the AL to receive your certificate or your can follow in my footsteps and just trudge through the entire 110 objects and receive the certificate and lapel pin.

A telescope is necessary for this program but if you don’t have a telescope but do have binoculars, the AL does have a Binocular Messier Observering Program.

The rules state that no digital or electronic devices should be used to find the objects. Finder scopes, Telrads or red dot reflex finders and sky charts are the preferred tools, and for good reason. Even if your telescope has Go-To capabilities,  digital circles or you have an app on your phone or tablet to aid you, these are not allowed.

This might seem counter intuitive or even cruel at first glance but there is method to the madness. To quote the AL program coordinator “The purpose of the “no Go-To” rule is so that you learn the sky and learn how to associate a map with the real sky. Learn how to get from here to there without the electronics or the scales. Learn to locate objects without the electronic interface. The knowledge of being able to perform this will always be a benefit in the future.”

If you haven’t considered observing the Messier list I hope you will. The fun of being under the night sky, excitement of locating these objects, knowledge gained in the process and pride generated in completing the list are still with me all these years later. In a sense, the Messier list is the night sky’s “greatest hits” that must be added to your collection ASAP, and now is a perfect time to get started.

Clear skies,

Scott