Contributed by: AJ Crayon and Jack Jones, Saguaro Astronomy Club Date: 20 Dec 2002 07:27:15 GMT 2003 All Arizona Messier Marathon If you decide to participate be sure to read and follow all of this information. Site: Arizona City, AZ Date: March 29/30, 2003 Solar Data: (all times are MST) March 29: 4:11pm moon set 6:49pm sun set 8:08pm astronomical twilight March 30: 4:55am astronomical twilight 5:29am moon rise 6:13am sun rise It is that time of year . . . again! You have, no doubt, heard this many times in the past. It's time for the 2003 All Arizona Messier Marathon and, as happened two years ago, all 110 objects in the catalogue of Charles Messier should be observable. This is the tenth event sponsored by SAC. The site is the same, south of Arizona City, Arizona. For those have GPS, here are the coordinates: N 32 deg 27 min 45.2 sec W 111 deg 43 min 53.2 sec EL: 1800 ft (548.6 m) Registration is not required. The event is free and open to all, but we will need either your or your clubs support to help purchase the awards for its members. Your efforts will not go unnoticed. There will be awards in recognition of effort * People observing 50 or more objects will receive an 8 1/2 x 11 certificate. * For first, second and third place there will be plaques suitable for mounting on a telescope. * Duplicate awards will be made for ties. Previous award participants are listed at: http://www.seds.org/messier/xtra/marathon/results.html There will be no moon light interference in the evening, where only five objects are less than 10 deg from horizon at twilight, they are M74, M77 and the Andromeda Galaxy. Twilight in the morning finds our buddy M30 five degrees above the horizon and moon rise occurring another 35 minutes later. See the solar events table above for more details. If you feel intimidated by the 110 objects - DON'T BE! Set your own goals and don't bother with those high counts. The marathon is for having fun! Set your goals in order for you to have fun! The rules are pretty simple. * It's an honor system * No one is going to be looking over your shoulder to verify your observations. * All you have to do is get a check off list from one of the coordinators * Fill out the heading * Find the objects * Observe through the main eye piece of your telescope * Mark off the entry * Go to the next object A description of the object is not necessary, especially since it will take precious time needed to find the remaining objects. Study the list, or use your own sequences. Be prepared for the extremely unlikely case it should become cloudy and the list sequence cannot be followed. There will be a check off list available at the site to record your observations. Be sure to pick one up, preferably before you start the marathon and fill in the top portion so awards can be made. It is important to remember that you must turn in your form to one of the Coordinators before leaving the site or by sunrise. We cannot accept any after these times. Although it is possible to do the marathon with a 4 inch, or smaller telescope, it is not suggested, unless you are an experienced observer. Plan on arriving at the site about 30 minutes before sunset to provide time for your telescope to reach thermal equilibrium - after setup. 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. We will have some "traffic cops" posted near the entrance to slow down vehicle that are kicking up dust as they enter. 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 see http://www.saguaroastro.org/content/Star-Party-Etiquette.htm We will have a very short meeting at sunset for a few announcements. If you plan on participating, then doing some homework ahead of time will pay dividends. If interested the check off list can be made available prior to the marathon for your reference. Still not interested in the marathon? Come anyway; enjoy a night of observing, astro-photography or just plain old socializing. As in the last few years, Jack Jones will again be assisting with this year's marathon. Thanks Jack, your help is appreciated. Additional Questions should be addressed to: AJ Crayon Jack Jones Messier Marathon Coordinators Saguaro Astronomy Club Site map: http://www.seds.org/messier/Pics/Xtra/azcity-map.jpg Site info: http://www.seds.org/messier/xtra/marathon/az-site.html http://www.saguaroastro.org/content/messier-images/getting-there.htm http://www.saguaroastro.org/content/messier-images/the-site.htm