What is the Messier Marathon?
The Messier Marathon is based on a list of 110 objects "discovered" or compiled by Charles Messier in the 1700's. While Messier worked hard to discover comets, he compiled this list so that he could avoid mistaking the objects for new comets. Today, the Messier Objects form an introduction to deep-sky observing for countless amateur astronomers.Due to a fluke in the distribution of the Messier Objects across the sky, it is possible to view all objects on the list in a single night during early spring (usually March or April). Amateur astronomers challenge their abilities, or build their observing skills, by trying to locate all the objects on the list.
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The 2006 Messier Marathon
For 2006, the best weekend for the Messier Marathon will be March 25.If your group is planning a Messier Marathon, please contact the AANC Messier Coordinator, Michael Portuesi , with the following information:
- Name of Organization
- Date/Time of Event
- Place of Event (directions to site also welcome)
- Special instructions (permits, registration necessary, open to members only, arrive before sunset, etc).
- Contact person, with phone and/or email
- Web page for the event, if you have one.
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Local Marathon Events
San Francisco Amateur Astronomers - The SFAA Messier Marathon will be held the night of Saturday, March 25 at Mount Tamalpais State Park, Rock Springs parking lot. This is the site of our normal Mount Tam Star Parties. As this is a Special Use Permit (SUP) event, it is open to SFAA Members Only. The general public is not allowed. Information be found at http://www.jotabout.com/sfaa/marathon_2006.html. Contact: Michael Portuesi (president@sfaa-astronomy.org). Registration is not necessary. Please dress warmly with several layers—it is cold this time of year, and the Messier Marathon is an all-night experience!
San Jose Astronomical Association will be hosting the SJAA 2006 Messier marathon on March 25/26 at Henry Coe State Park. The 2006 Messier marathon will be held at the overflow parking area at Henry Coe. Directions can be found at the SJAA website http://www.sjaa.net/directions.html. There is a $5.00 per vehicle night use fee or a $12 fee if you use a campsite.
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Resources
Rob Hawley's Messier Marathon charts
The SEDS (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) web site has an excellent guide to the Messier Marathon, with links to several online resources.
- Messier Marathon General Information
- 2006 Messier Marathon Detailed Info
- Messier Marathon Search Sequence List (as icons)
- Messier Marathon Search Sequence List (as text)
- Messier Marathon Observer's Form
- Messier Marathon Log Sheets
Michael Portuesi, AANC Messier Coordinator
Questions:
Michael
Portuesi
AANC Messier Coordinator
Article by Jeff Baldwin on Messier Marathon, from Stockton Astronomical Society Valley Skies Newsletter - Mar 2005
