2007 All Arizona Messier Marathon

The site is the same, south of Arizona City, Arizona.

This year is not one for finding all 110 objects. At best we can look forward to seeing 109. Yet the early setters on Saturday night shouldn't pose a difficult observing problem for, at twilight, the ever challenging M74 will be 14 degrees above the horizon. What will catch your eye however, is magnitude -4 Venus just 5.5 degrees to its southeast. Adding to this view will be 11th magnitude P/Encke(2P) at 5.5 degrees to the west of M74. If you have some time check out these two visitors. Next is the Andromeda triad M31, M32 and M110, at 16 degrees above. Try not to worry about M39 as it is 3 degrees below, but you might try to bag it before twilight. Others in this category are M102, M101, M3 and M53 amongst others. If you find these early on, make a note on the observing list that they were observed this early.

The late risers for Sunday are the same ones as in years gone by. Andromeda is on the horizon when it rises at 4:53am. At twilight M30 is 1.5 degrees below the horizon, due to rise at 5:18am and just 13' to the left, along the horizon, will be 0.3 magnitude Mercury. At this time, 5:18am, we will see M 2 and M103 10 degrees above the horizon. At 12 degrees above there will be M72 and M73 with 1st magnitude Mars straight down from there. Two things here, first the ecliptic is nicely pictured by following Mars down to Mercury. One third of this distance is where you will find Neptune. Check these out - if you have the time! The moon, rising at 6:16am, shouldn't be a factor as at that time there will have been to much light to observe catalog entries in a telescope.

And the weather has been favoring us for some time!

Your observing will not go unnoticed.

• People observing 50 or more objects will receive a printed certificate.
• For first, second and third place: a small plaque suitable for mounting on a telescope.
• Duplicate awards will be made for tying totals.

Registration in advance is not required. The event is free and open to all, but we will need either your or your clubs support to purchase the plaques, which in the past have cost under $10.00. There is no charge for the certificates.

Previous award participants are listed at:
http://www.seds.org/messier/xtra/marathon/results.html

Feel intimidated?
Don't think you can reach high counts?
DON'T WORRY! ENJOY!
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!

• It's an honor system
• No one is going to be looking over your shoulder to verify your observations.
• Have an observing list to keep track of observations.
• Fill out the heading
• Find the objects
• Observe it with your eye through the main eyepiece of your telescope.
• Mark off the entry
• Go to the next object

Start observing when you are ready, presumably some time after sun set. It is up to you to decide when you are finished observing. Some conditions could be when you have reached a set goal or some time after morning twilight.

Here are some additional guidelines you should be aware of, some that haven't been published very often and others that haven't been published at all. These cover situations and conditions that have occurred in the past, but in no way do they cover the myriad of possibilities that may happen.

Locating Objects -
Participants may use a variety of means to locate objects. This includes memorizing positions; using binoculars, books or star charts for star hopping. The use of setting circles, either analog or digital is also permissible. Goto telescopes can also be used.

Multiple Observers -
In a small number cases there have been teams of two observers per telescope. This will still be allowed, subject to the same conditions as has been followed in the past. The condition is that each observer should find one-half the objects and both must observe all objects.

There is an option in the case of an award. Either one award can be presented with both names or two awards can be presented - one with each name. Please let us know which you select by noting this on the observing list that is turned in at the conclusion of the event. In either case, if the award is for a plaque, you or your club will be expected to pay for one or both.

Three or more observers per telescope can't qualify for an award. It is possible to do the marathon this way, but none are eligible for awards.

Multiple Instruments -
Participants using two or more instruments are eligible for only one award. This is not to be construed as one award for each instrument, it is one award for the observer.

Non-Payment -
Individuals or clubs that haven't paid for prior awards are not eligible for awards until paid up. However, it is still possible to do the marathon.

The only form of registration is an observing list that is used to record your observations and a signed waiver. Be sure to get one, either from one of the local astronomy clubs, one of the coordinators or at the site. You can also print one from our web site Marathon Order (PDF). 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 reference can be accurately accomplished. 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. One of us will stay - at least until sunrise - 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 top.

The results will be posted, after some verification, on the Messier Marathon Observer's Results web page referenced above as well as the SAC site.

Now, getting back to 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 high 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. If interested the observing 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.

A special thanks, as always, to Ray Farnsworth for permitting us to use this site free of charge.

Please keep in mind this observing site is not our property, is rather primitive; 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.

Additional Questions should be addressed to:
AJ Crayon
Jack Jones
2007 All Arizona Messier Marathon Organizers
Saguaro Astronomy Club