The Messier Catalogue was developed in the 1700s by Charles Messier (1730–1817). Messier was a comet hunter working with speculum metal reflectors and small refractors that were the equivalent of a modern 80–100 mm reflector. As a result of the limited tools that he had to work with, he could not see the true nature of many of his "faint fuzzies" that are revealed in today's modern instruments. The RASC Messier Catalogue observing program has been awarded since 1981, and was the first RASC observing program with certificate).

If Messier were alive today, he would no doubt be astonished at the size, distance, and complexity of the various objects that he catalogued. As a comet hunter, they were often nuisances, since they "got in the way" of his search for new comets.

RASC Messier Certificate

The RASC Messier Certificate has been awarded since 1981. A certificate and pin are awarded to RASC members who visually observe all 110 objects on the Messier list as published annually in the Observer's Handbook. Note that there are several published versions of the Messier list, so it is important to follow this official reference. There are two versions of the Messier Certificate: Traditional (star-hopping) and Computer-aided (Go-To).

Observing the Messier Catalogue is an excellent observing project, as it contains many showpiece objects. Moreover it allows you to see the Universe from an 18th-century perspective and to learn more about the night sky.

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Observing Forms

The RASC Observing Committee has created special observing forms to help you complete the Messier Catalogue observing program. These Messier Catalogue observing forms (728 KB, 110 pg) will help to keep your observations in one organized file. The forms feature all of the important data about each Messier object and a generous area for making notes and drawings. The objects may be observed in any order.

Use the generic application form (PDF, 185 KB) for this visual certificate application. The form may be printed and completed by hand or filled in electronically. The form has a language of choice option for the Certificate. Indicate your home affiliated RASC centre or "National" or "Unattached" if not associated with a specific centre.

This Observing Program is designed to be an INDIVIDUAL EFFORT. When you complete the program and apply for your certificate, you will have met these requirements: you located the object yourself, made your own observation at the eyepiece, kept your own log book or pre-programmed observing forms, and then applied for your certificate on your own merit. Enjoy your journey through this program!

Contact the Observing Committee Chair: observing AT rasc.ca