Our own chief observer has compiled a great observing list for both beginners and advanced observers.

The RAS 100 is an observing aide designed to assist the amateur astronomer after they have tired of looking at Messier Objects. Many of these objects are in fact better than some of the objects included on Charles Messier's famous list. His list originally started as a list of objects not to be confused with comets and later grew into a comprehensive catalog of objects. Unfortunately, the instruments being used at the time could not detect or resolve many of the better objects that are included on this list.

This list was culled from the Herschel 400 list being promoted by the Astronomical League as well as other sources. I originally started with the Herschel 400 but found that it was populated with Messier objects, had too many open clusters, and its shear size made it too daunting a project for most amateur astronomers. A list of the best non-Messier objects is a very subjective undertaking and could produce arguments late into the night. While I admit that this is desirable, it was not my intent. While everybody has their personal favorites, this is a list I felt would show well in moderate sized telescopes under dark skies. Many of these objects can be seen in pair of binoculars or a 60mm refractor. However, I selected these with the goal of seeing detail with 10 inches of aperture or greater.

The purpose of the list is also partially to get amateur astronomers to look at uncommon things they don't normally look at. This is why Mira, Ceres, Dione, Neptune, and the Alpine Valley on the Moon were selected. If I had more room, I would have included the Geminids, the Gegenschein, and Pluto. Perhaps these will be on the RAS 200.

Bob Stephens, from the introduction to the RAS 100

Below is a sample of one of the pages out of the observing list. As you can see, photos of the objects are provided. Most are from the Palomar Sky Survey, and are reproduced to the same scale. There are detailed descriptions of the objects, as well as space for your own notes and/or sketches.

RAS members can order a copy, or pick up a copy at one of our meetings. Cost for members is only $8. Well worth the price! The price for non-members is $10. Still cheap!

RAS 100 IS TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK!