Binocular Messier Program – Appendix B

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Binocular Messier Program Chair:

John Goar
13569 NW Huntley Place
Silverdale, WA 98383
(360) 689-9149
goarfamily@hotmail.com

Appendix B

If you are uncertain as to which Messier objects to observe, or who need a formal program to follow, we have included Appendix A and Appendix B for your use. Appendix B is for binoculars between 56MM and 80MM in diameter. Each appendix lists the appropriate Messier objects that can be observed with that size instrument, and is divided into three categories: Easy, Tough, and Challenge objects. Easy objects are those that appear large and bright in the field of view, and are easily located. Tougher objects are small and dim in the field of view and require identifying the fields around them with the help of some sort of star chart to verify their location. Challenge objects are those that are small and faint, sometimes requiring averted vision, and need to be pinpointed exactly on a good star atlas to identify.

For larger binoculars (Appendix B), all 50 objects needed to receive the certificate can be chosen out of the easy category. The point is that anyone, with any pair of binoculars, no matter what their size, shape, condition, or cost, can do serious astronomy, and acquire a Binocular Messier Program certificate. To prove that point, all 76 objects in Appendix A (Easy, Tough, and Challenge objects) were observed with a pair of 7×35 Tasco binoculars purchased at Wal-Mart for $19.00.

For a printable version of this list, click here

Appendix B – 11×80 Binoculars

I. Easy Messier Objects

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 52, 53, 55, 62, 67, 71, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 92, 93, 94, 103.

Total = 58.

II. Tougher Messier Objects:

1, 9, 33, 49, 51, 54, 56, 60, 61, 63, 64, 65, 66, 68, 75, 77, 83, 87, 97, 101, 102, 104, 106.

Total = 23.

III. Challenge Messier Objects:

20, 58, 59, 69, 70, 72, 84, 85, 86, 88, 89, 90, 95, 96, 99, 100, 105, 107, 108, 109, 110.

Total = 21.

Grand Total = 102.