Certificate Programs
Astronomical League Messier Certificate
Referenced from the Astronomical Leage Messier Club Introduction
The Astronomical League offers special recognition in the form of a Messier Club Certificate for those that have observed most or all of the Messier objects. To qualify you must be a member of an astronomical society which is affiliated with the League. To obtain an award you must observe the following rules:
Rule 1:
Observe 70 Messier objects and keep a record of your observations.
Use the SAAA Observing Form to record your sessions.
Your notes must show:
a. Date of observation;
b. Time of observation;
c. Seeing conditions;
d. Aperture size of telescope;
e. Power used;
f. A short note describing your observation of the object.
Rule 2:
Have your notebook or record examined by an officer of the SAAA. A Certificate of Membership in the Messier Club will be forwarded to your Society for presentation at a meeting. The certificate will be suitable for framing.
Rule 3:
When you have observed the balance of the Messier Objects, have your notebook or records examined again, indicating that you have completed the observations of the Messier Catalog. You will receive an Honorary membership certificate signed by the current President of the League.
Note:
Since the purpose of the Messier Club is to familiarize the observer with the nature and location of the objects in the sky, the use of an automated telescope which finds the objects without effort on the part of the observer is not acceptable. Also “Messier marathon” sessions where all the objects are found in one occasion is to be discouraged if the beginning observer depends on other experienced observers to find the object to be observed.
