Документ взят из кэша поисковой машины. Адрес оригинального документа : http://www.atmob.org/about/observing/awards/files/messier_instructions_2011-02-01.pdf Дата изменения: Mon Feb 21 07:14:51 2011 Дата индексирования: Mon Oct 1 21:52:50 2012 Кодировка: Поисковые слова: universe

ATMoB "Messier Marathon Award " Guidelines
Purpose: To promote observing among the membership of the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston through participation in an all-night Messier Marathon. Introduction: The Messier Catalogue is a list of deep-sky objects compiled by the French comet-hunter Charles Messier in the late 1700s. Messier's intent was to record any sky object whose appearance might cause it to be mistaken for a comet. His "faux comet" list includes some of the finest star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies in the night sky. Observing all Messier objects is a rite of passage for any serious backyard astronomer. The ultimate feat is to see all 110 Messier objects in a single evening. Conditions are most ideal in March, when the sun occupies a part of the sky devoid of Messier objects. Besides being an opportunity to engage in friendly competition, a Messier Marathon is a great way to test and hone your observing skills. Rules: 1. Participant must be a current member of the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston. 2. The Messier Marathon will be held on Club grounds in W estford, Massachusetts, the date to be designated by the ATMoB Observing Committee. 3. For each Messier object observed, check the space in the "Seen" column on the attached Messier Checklist and note the time and method of observation. 4. Certificates are awarded in three categories: Beginner ­ at least 25 Messier objects; Intermediate ­ at least 50 Messier objects; Master ­ 80 or more Messier objects. 5. To qualify for a Messier Marathon Award Certificate, turn in your Messier checklist to the appropriate ATMoB Observing Committee member at the end of the evening. Be sure to note your name as you want it to appear on your certificate. 6. The most important rule ­ HAVE FUN! After all, it's a friendly competition. What You Need: · Any observing tool - unaided eye, binocular, telescope of any size: The use of the "star-hop" method to locate each Messier object is recommended, but not mandatory. · Star Atlas or Messier finder charts · This handout with Messier Marathon W orksheet · Red Flashlight, Clipboard, and Pencil: Use to keep track of your Messier "conquests" on your checklist as the evening progresses. Challenge Levels: Beginner Intermediate Master

Observe and record information on 25 Messier objects in the attached worksheet. Observe and record information on 50 Messier objects in the attached worksheet. Observe and record information on 80 or more Messier objects in the attached worksheet.