What is a Messier Marathon (MM)?

Have you run one? Do you want to?

Join us for an AAA Messier Marathon - Practice Session on February 22nd at The Evergreens Cemetery to practice finding Messier objects - easy or difficult, with binoculars, small or large telescope, goto or manual. Test your equipment and refine your skills in preparation for the AAA Messier Marathon in March.

This site is easily accessible by public transit, and parking is also available for those driving.

PLEASE ABIDE BY DARK SKY OBSERVING ETIQUETTE AT THIS EVENT - read below and join us for one or both events!

Register in for the event and join the Dark Sky Observing google-group for details and announcements for the events, backup plans for weather, carpools, etc. 

The Messier Marathon Practice Session at The Evergreens Cemetery on Saturday, February 22nd-23rd, from sundown to sunrise, or whenever you decide to leave.

Maps of parking and observing location at The Evergreens Cemetery:

There will be a separate meetup before the session to discuss and answer questions on etiquette, techniques, equipment, etc. for those who want to join.

Details and follow on info:

Agenda:

• Show up before sunset to set up equipment 
• Receive or bring observation list
• Observe and use dark sky etiquette 
• Pack up equipment
• Finish and submit observation list
• Awards and prizes by category
• Comfort early breakfast (place TBD) 

Details for those interested/joining*:

How to run a Messier Marathon (“MM”)

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.space.com/amp/39931-messier-marathon-with-mobile-apps.html

Messier Marathon tools

https://10minuteastronomy.wordpress.com/messier-marathon-tools/

Background on Messier objects

http://www.messier.seds.org/

Your observing or photography activities will not go unnoticed; there will be awards in recognition of effort. 

Registration

The only form of registration is an observing list used to record your observations. Be sure to get an observation list, either from one of the coordinators or at the site or you can also print one from the link above. If you plan on using this or your personal printed version at the marathon, please use both sides so only one sheet is used and turned in to the coordinators. This helps greatly with recording the event because multiple sheets from many observers can get mixed up, possibly causing errors in recording the event and determining awards.

Be sure to fill in the top portion so awards and certificates can given to all who earn them. The observing list will be returned with your award.

It is important to remember that your list must be turned in to one of the Coordinators before they leave the site. Either you or someone else you designate may turn in your list. One of us will stay, at least until sunrise (or until curfew at Central Park), so be sure to get yours in before then. This procedure is followed in order to provide the awards in a timely fashion. Again, don’t forget to fill out the totals and your name and equipment at the top.

The results will be posted, after some verification, on the Messier Marathon Observer’s Results web page referenced above as well as the AAA website.

More Marathon Information

• A description of the object is not necessary, especially since it will take precious time needed to find the remaining objects.
• Study the list sequences, or use your own. Be prepared for the extremely unlikely case it should become cloudy and the selected sequence cannot be followed.
• Although it is possible to do the marathon with a 4-inch telescope, or smaller, or binoculars, it is not suggested unless you are an experienced observer.
• Plan on arriving at the site at least 30 minutes before sunset to provide time to setup your telescope and for it to reach thermal equilibrium. This will also give you time to meet old friends and make new ones.
• If you are NOT going to stay all night:
• • Park near the entrance so you don’t disturb others when you depart.
  • Please give a shout a few minutes before leaving and then again as you are about to depart.
  • This will give observers time to hide so the light doesn’t interfere with night vision.
  • A port-a-Jon will be on-site. Remember this is a primitive site and we strive to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
• Signs will be posted at the entrance to remind drivers to keep the speed down because of the dust levels. We are on the Sonoran Desert!
• Please ensure your red filtered flashlights are in good working order and PLEASE no white lights between sun set and sun rise. For more information on star party etiquette click here!

We will have a very short meeting just before sunset for final announcements and words of encouragement.

If you plan on participating, then doing some homework ahead of time will pay dividends. You may wish to study the observing list from the link above.

Still not interested in the marathon? COME ANYWAY; enjoy a night of observing, astrophotography, or just plain old socializing.

Please keep in mind this observing site is not our property; which means if you need something, bring it with you and be sure to take it back with you. Let’s leave the site at least as clean as it was when we arrived.

* much of the rules, etiquette is pulled from the SAC website for its All Arizona MM