What is the easiest way to locate the 110 Messier objects in the sky? Everyone has their own special technique. I want to tell you about the technique that I have developed that allows me to bulls-eye in right on the object with only a Telrad finder. I had some special charts made up of the 34 constellations that the Messier objects are found in. These maps show the major stars of the constellation and the Messier objects in its vicinity. The positions of the stars and Messier objects on the map have to be as close to what you see in the sky as possible, consequently I have had to revise the Messier locations on my charts several times.

Locate two prominent stars that are on your chart and are easily visible in the sky in the vicinity of the Messier object that you are trying to find. In you mind draw out the triangle made by these two stars and Messier object on your map.

Hold the map up and orient it so that it exactly matches what you see in the sky. Hold the map next to the real constellation in the sky. Memorize the angles and lengths of the triangle on you map and then “see” the triangle among the same stars in the sky. Keep looking back and forth from the map to the sky until you have determined the exact position of the messier object. Zero in your red Telrad bulls-eye on that spot in the sky and if everything goes right you should see the Messier object centered in the eyepiece field of view. You can usually do this in one try. To determine if you are on the right object or not compare what you see with an actual image of the object using Stephen O’Meara’s Messier Object book. If it does not work the 1st time then keep practicing, adjusting your charts and aligning your Telrad until you can find them in one try. Then move on to the next Messier object on the list. Before you know it you’ll be standing up in front of the club one Friday night while Aaron Celvenson presents you with your Astronomical League certificate and Messier pin. Good luck! It’s fun.