Ryukyu Astronomy Club - Observation Awards

Viewing the Messier objects is a great introduction to the night sky. A wide assortment of deep sky objects is represented in the list, providing great variety for the beginning and more experienced observer. The Messier objects were cataloged in the 18th century by French astronomer Charles Messier. Messier's primary passion was the discovery of comets and he started his catalog to identify object that might easily be mistaken as comets. Many of the 110 objects on the list could never be mistaken for comets, so it is likely that the catalog eventually became a list of objects he prized simply for their own beauty. Pierre Mechain, Messier's colleague, discovered many of the objects and added them to the Messier list.

A list of the 110 Messier objects organized by month for best viewing can be downloaded here.

Two levels of observing award are available:
1. Club Level - attained by observing 70 of the 110 objects
2. Expert Level - attained by observing all 110 of the objects, can be completed after you are awarded the Club Level
Objects may be observed with a manual or computerized telescope, binoculars, or with the naked eye.
Observations must be on or after the official start date of the Ryukyu Astronomy Club - 23 February 2002.
All those who attain the award will receive a certificate and their names will be posted here on the RAC website.
To allow other Club members to learn from your observing experience, an observing log should be maintained and submitted along with your request for the award. Your log will be posted along with your name in the list below. Click here to download the required observing log format. Instructions regarding where to submit the log are included in the log.

Happy Hunting!

The following esteemed amateur astronomers are certified RAC Messier Award winners:

RAC MESSIER AWARD