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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!
Which just reminded me, I owe a couple of folks a certificate...
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!
Re: Messier Contests
Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2020 4:02 pm
by Dragonsfire
Awesome Bryan
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.
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:
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