h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Listing of the Messier Objects viewed by Metal chicken between 1st Jan and 31st Dec 2003.


Right now, just noting that I'm joining in, have already spotted the Pleaides, Andromeda Galaxy and the one in Orion's sword. Will be back later with required details and maybe even more observations

Running total 3

Just as I was despairing of there being another Derbyshire night with a clear sky, tonight turned out to be a great star watching night The moon was beautiful, specially in my 10x50 binoculars.
My star-watching companion here in the Longdendale Valley had a moment and then kindly helped me to find the Beehive Cluster, M44. What a gorgeous sight it was too, a big open cluster resolving into lots of bright stars

Plus 1 to my running total = 4 so far

4 it is

Another clear night here in the High Peak. Just before it clouded over I achieved 2 more confirmed sightings with my 10x50 binoculars. I can now add M35 and M36 to my list. Running total of 6

Well done MC. Six it is.
It's very clear here at the moment. I hope to get out a bit later myself when the neighbours lights are out.
A.M.

More gazing last night
My binoculars showed me M37 and M38 in Auriga.
Then checked my book, went out looking again and spotted M50 in Monocerous (or at least I think that's the constellation name, Latin for Unicorn anyway, looks about right)

So add 3 to my running total, now 9.

You know, the best thing about this is I'm getting to know the skies so much better and I've decided the Beehive Cluster is my new favourite celestial binocular sight, what with the 3 star triangle framing it so nicely in my field of view.

Running Total 9.

Yup, It's a great way to improve your navigation around the night sky, isn't it.

I had a favourite, but it isn't a Messier. I think it's Almaak, a double star in Andromeda. It takes a small telescope to split it but the two stars are a brilliant contrast of Orange/red for one and blue/white the other. I find it a beautiful sight in the same field. I think its Gamma Cass. Catch it if you can.
A.M.

One more to add from last night's stargazing

M41, just below Sirius in Canis Major.

Running total : 10

And another tonight

M103 in Cassiopeia



I make that 11

Running total 11
A.M.

Another clear moonless night on 2nd March, so took the car somewhere darker and had a good look around.
Found M67 in Cancer and M34 in Perseus.

I make that a running total of 13

Yeh! 13 logged
A.M.

An incredibly clear and dark night outside our Cornish holiday cottage onn Saturday 22nd. Luckily we had the binoculars with us and went out for a little star gazing. Rewarded with adding M3 to my list.
So that's 14 to date.

New Total 14
A.M.

Not adding a new one, just noting that I had a good look at Jupiter and the Beehive last night - through my brand new telescope! What a beautiful sight

It's great isn'nt it. I had another look last night and got all the Gallilean moons strung out on the same side. The night before I could just see one of them, (not sure which) on the very edge of of Jupiter. I watched it for awhile and came back to it about a quarter hour later and it was gone behind(?).

BTW, What sort of telescope do you have?
A.M.

I got very excited when I saw the banding on Jupiter - and the moons - and the Beehive

The telescope's a 6" reflector, I think it's brand named a Helios 150 explorer or something similar. But it works well and it's good value and shows me exciting things and I'll be trying it out again tonight I think

That sounds great. You should get excellent viewing with that.
I rather wish now that I had bought one a little larger than my 4 1/2 inch reflector, but it does a job for now. I'm really enjoying the sights and looking forward to the summer when it may be a bit warmer and I can stay out a bit longer.
All the best
A.M.

After a couple of frustrating, cloudy weeks, last night's sky was dark and clear and full of stars
Found M13 in Hercules with my binoculars, bringing my running total up to 15.

Also got a lovely view of M81 & M82 in Ursa Major through the telescope - but I'm not claiming those yet as it wasn't me who managed to point the scope in the right direction I was trying to find them with my binnies and failing