The goal of Messier 2005 is to observe all 110 Messier objects.
This is a new TAAS special interest group (SIG) led by Dee Friesen. The group will
meet once or twice a month and together locate and identify the Messier objects for the month.
By dividing the 110 Messier objects into monthly groups, a person missing one month
can easily catch up the next. This will allow people who have scheduling conflicts to accomplish
the goal of observing all of the Messier objects. The monthly list is given on the web at
This Website:
www.maa.agleia.de/Messier/E/Xtra/12months/12months.html
. TAAS members
without a telescope can use one of the club loaner telescopes available for member use or share
with another SIG member. We will use the old-fashioned method of star hopping to find objects.
Every three months, the SIG will go to GNTO and use the Isengard telescope to re-observe the objects
of the past few months.
Update for November
The Messier 2005 SIG is continuing to have a terrific time meeting twice a month and together locating
and observing the Messier objects of the month. In addition, the group is also gaining a real knowledge
of the sky. Together people are locating and observing the constellations and the Messier and other
objects in them. It is turning out to be a real interesting experience.
SIG Members receive a chart listing the Messier objects for the month and constellation maps with the
locations of the objects marked on them. Generally there are two to three experienced TAAS observers
present to assist SIG members with the star hopping procedures. We are all learning from each other.
Our next two observing sessions are Tuesday November 1 and Wednesday November 2 bith at Dee's house.
Now that the long summer days are over we are again meeting at Dee Friesen's house. Sunset is before 7:00 pm, so
persons wishing to participate may arrive any time after 6:00 pm and stay as long as they desire. The sessions will
continue until everyone has completed their planned observing.
It is not too late to join the Messier 2005 SIG. If you are interested contact Dee at 856-1593 or friesend@comcast.net.
1. Dee lives in Sandia Heights, which is near the base of the Tramway Tram. The address is 1046 Red Oaks Loop.
2. Proceed north on Tramway Blvd. to San Bernardino Ave. On the west side of this intersection is a Phillips 66 gas station. At this intersection turn east (toward the mountains) and proceed to a stop sign.
3. At this stop sign turn right (south) onto Tramway Lane (not to be confused with Tramway Blvd.). Proceed for about ¾ miles (passing through another stop sign) to Red Oaks Loop.
4. Turn left onto Red Oaks Loop and proceed about ¼ mile to where the road widens and makes a 90-degree turn to the right. 1046 Red Oaks is the first house on the left. A sign designating the location will be placed at the entrance to the driveway.
5. We will set up our telescopes on the east side of Dee's garage, so when turning into the driveway, please dim you car lights.
6. Lost, call Dee at 856-1593.
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