Observing

The NCRAL currently has two region-specific observing programs, both related to the famous Messier Catalog of deep-sky objects. The first program is broken into seasonal “chunks” and the second program is for those who complete the observing in a single night. All NCRAL members are eligible to complete either or both programs as they wish, as they are separate from one another.

NCRAL Seasonal Messier Marathon Program

NCRAL’s Seasonal Messier Marathon observing program is NOT designed to qualify observers for the Astronomical League’s Messier Observing program; the two programs are unrelated and observing requirements are quite different. In the NCRAL program, the main requirement is to quickly observe and essentially check off items from one of four seasonal lists of Messier objects as noted in the section to follow.

NCRAL recognition will consist a suitable printed certificate and a 3⁄4-inch enameled star pin (a different color for each season). There will be no direct cost to the membership for participating in the award program; the cost of the program (pins, certificates, mailers, postage) will be borne by the Region as a benefit of affiliation. Relevant program documents are linked below. For each season, we have the PDF list and form needed to turn in for the award, and a separate link to a ZIP file that contains that list in both Sky Safari Skylist and comma-separated values (CSV) text formats.

NCRAL Seasonal Messier Marathon Program Rules

NCRAL WINTER Seasonal Messier List | (Sky Safari Skylist and CSV)

NCRAL SPRING Seasonal Messier List | (Sky Safari Skylist and CSV)

NCRAL SUMMER Seasonal Messier List | (Sky Safari Skylist and CSV)

NCRAL AUTUMN Seasonal Messier List | (Sky Safari Skylist and CSV)

NCRAL 103 Messier Marathon Program

At its annual business meeting, the NCRAL membership established a 103-object NCRAL Messier Marathon Observing Program and rules for affiliates and at-large members with the following awards and certificates. The rules and regulations are as follows:

✯  Gold Star Award: Use a telescope to observe at least 103 Messier objects in one dusk-to-dawn interval using only unassisted means (Telrad, optical finder, star hopping, sweeping, drift, etc., are acceptable).

✯  Silver Star Award: Use a telescope to observe at least 103 Messier objects in one dusk-to-dawn interval using any combination of assisted or unassisted means (e.g., goto, setting circles, star hopping, etc.)

✯  Bronze Star Award: Using a telescope, observe at least 70 Messier objects in one dusk-to-dawn interval using any combination of assisted or unassisted means.

Those who earn the Gold Star also will receive the Silver and Bronze Stars. Those who earn the Silver Star also will receive the Bronze Star. At most, one star of each type will be awarded to a single observer.

Observations must be approved and sent by an affiliate’s ALCor to the NCRAL Secretary-Treasurer, who will serve as program administrator. The observing record must be affirmed by an affiliate’s ALCor or confirmed by another observer if a member-at-large. Observing records (objects and time stamps) in an electronic file should be sent to Roy Gustafson at astroroy46@gmail.com for final approval and recognition. NCRAL will provide for suitable certificates, pins, and postage associated with this program. Recipients will be recognized in the Noteworthy! section of NCRAL’s Northern Lights newsletter. Due to the more prestigious nature of this program, it is NOT permissible for two or more individuals to work together to earn this recognition. Binoculars may not be used in the telescopic program.

This observing program was approved retroactively to January 1, 2023, so that anyone completing the observing program following these guidelines during the winter and spring of 2023 may receive appropriate recognition from NCRAL.