Hello,

Almost every amateur astronomer begins to be aware of the Messier Catalog as
soon as he or she opens their first book. The novice is sure to find some
spectacular object pictured and designated by its "Messier Number" with the
universal abbreviation "M". Of the myriads of star clusters and nebulae
scattered over the sky only about 100 (perhaps 110 at most) can claim membership
to this celebrated list. However, this happens to include most, but not quite
all, of the finest of these objects observable from mid-northern latitudes.

CIAA is pleased to announce Messier Certificate program. To qualify for the CIAA
Messier Certificate, you need only be a member of the CIAA, through either an
affiliated club or amateur group. You have to observe any 50 or more of the 110
recognized Messier objects may be observed using binoculars or telescopes.

The program will be coordinated by Mr. CB Devgun. Once a participant has
registered with the CIAA for the program, he/she will be assigned a Registration
Number. The participant will have to use this number to seek the guidance from
the coordinator. He can be communicated via email at cb@...

If you need to become a member of the CIAA as a Member please contact Mr. Nilesh
Vayada, Asst. Secretary at nileshv@...

The fees for the CIAA Messier Certificate program would be Rupees One Hundred
and Fifty (Rs. 150/-) payable by cash in Ahmedabad or Demand Draft drawn in the
name of "Confederation of Indian Amateur Astronomers", payable at Ahmedabad. All
forms duly filled in with registration fees must reach the the General
Secretary, CIAA latest by 20th March, 2005. The fee includes registeration fee
for the programme and supply of support material for the Messier Program.

Last date of submission of observation of log sheet will be 10th April, 2005.
All successful participants will be awarded with certificates on or after the
Astronomy day 2005.

For registration and other deails please check any of these two links

http://www.ciaa.net/messier/index.htm

http://www.space-india.org/messier

We are grateful to Mr. John Wagoner of CLASS and Astronomy League, USA and Mr.
Edward Flaspoehler President of American Association of Amateur Astronomers for
offering guidelines and support.

This message is being posted in most of the Yahoo! groups to inform every one
concerned. So kindly ignore the duplicate messages.

Clear skies

Manoj Pai