Abstract
The French astronomer Charles Messier (1730- 1817) compiled a catalogue [1] of astronomical objects which reached109 innumber after additions by later astronomers were added. The catalogue contains galaxies, emission nebulae, a supernova remnant, a double star, globular clusters, open clusters, an asterism, a star cloud, and planetary nebulae. While the objective of Messier in compiling the catalogue was to guide comet hunters not to be confused by his objects which he thought looked like comets [2], the Messier Catalogue as it later became known became a standard guide to astronomers for a study of the sky’s “greatest hits” or the best samples of objects which can be observed and studied. This paper explores the value of the Messier Catalogue in the teaching of Astronomy and Earth Science. The range of objects is wide and contains some of the best examples of their type. The teaching method I propose is the actual observations of the objects through a telescope, with the corresponding explanation. Some principles which will be covered through this process are stellar evolution from the birth and death of stars, galaxy types, formation of galaxies, galactic interactions, life in the Universe, cosmology, and our place in the Universe.
Highlights
Amateur astronomers who begin to advance in the art of astronomical observing always aim to complete their observations of the Messier Objects, all 109 of them
3) What telescopes and other devises should be used for instruction? 4) To find out the principles and concepts that could be best taught with each Messier Object
A good 4-inch telescope of whatever type would be enough for the study of the Messier Objects if one is observing in a dark site
Summary
Amateur astronomers who begin to advance in the art of astronomical observing always aim to complete their observations of the Messier Objects, all 109 of them. In March of every year, astronomy societies and groups conduct the Messier Marathon where participants attempt to observe all the Messier Objects in just one night. This is not an impossible feat, as the more advanced observers who know the night sky like the back of their hands, repeatedly observe all of them marathon after marathon, and some do not even use star maps in doing so. Each object has a story to tell, as each has been studied by astronomers for their characteristics and nature and for the secrets they keep These are often revealed by advanced astronomers to beginners during observations. I have learned through many years that these objects are great tools in teaching astronomy concepts to students and to the public as well
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