| Planning a Messier Marathon |
The first task is to decide when you'll run your Messier Marathon. Most folks select a Saturday night close to a new Moon in mid-to-late March. The last two weeks in March are the peak of marathon season since that period offers the best opportunity to observe all 110 objects. M30 is not observable prior until about March 15 from most latitudes. It simply rises too late to be seen against the bright morning sky. Similarly, M74 may be lost in the evening twilight, if you marathon later than about March 31. Since most marathons are held on weekends, here's a list of prime Saturday nights from 2008 to 2015:
Choosing the right observing location is also an important part of planning a Messier Marathon. You will want a site that has low, clear horizons to the northwest and southeast. If trees, buildings or other obstacles block the views in those directions, you'll likely miss several evening and morning objects. If you are limited to observing near a large city, select a location south of the city. The northern sky may be washed out from the city lights, but most Messier objects will still be visible. Latitude is also a factor. Observers north of 40 degrees latitude will not be able to observe M30 during marathon season. It just doesn't rise early enough.
A Messier Marathon is a great club event. If your club is planning a Messier Marathon, it is important to provide advance notice. Announce the Marathon a month or two in advance of the event. Feature an article on the marathon in your March newsletter. Emphasize the fun aspects of the marathon. Many Messier objects can be observed with binoculars. Let folks know they don't need a telescope to participate. Also, make accommodations for folks who want to leave early. Many club members will call it quits around midnight. Out of consideration for those who plan to observe until dawn, it is a good idea to designate a parking space for early departers so the vehicle lights won't disturb the hard core marathoners.
Offer awards such as pins or certificates to those who bag the most objects. If you anticipate a large group, create several categories of awards based on age, telescope aperture or experience. Finally, designate a break area where people can chat over a hot beverage. Again, the goal is to keep it fun so club members will want to continue the event, next year.
Once the date and location of the marathon have been selected, prepare a checklist of items to bring along for the marathon. This list should begin with the basics:
I know folks who have arrived at the observing site only to realize the telescope and eyepieces were left at home. Put these items on your list and check them off after they've been loaded into your vehicle.
Many backyard observers own more than one set of charts. The last thing you need at 4:00am while you're trying to find the Omega nebula, is indecision over which charts to use. Bring one set of charts. There are several marathon guides available. I use Don Machholz's Messier Marathon Observer's Guide. The objects are ordered in a useable marathon sequence. Each page features finder charts and written instructions describing how to get to each Messier object. Alternatively, you can make charts using one of several computer planetarium programs. I use MegaStar and Skyglobe.
A red flashlight is essential. It provides illumination but will not hamper your dark adaptation. A folding table and chair are also essential. Comfort is one of the least talked about keys to successful deep-sky observing. There's nothing like a sore neck or back to force an observer to abandon a beautiful dark sky.
Then, there are the convenience items that make an all-night observing session tolerable:
Deep-sky observing is very sedentary. You won't be moving around very much which means you'll be susceptible to the cold. Bring layers of warm clothing such as an extra sweatshirt, insulated boots and wool hat. These will help keep you comfortable and warm throughout the night.
Bring some high energy snack foods. Granola bars are excellent. So are diet products like Slim Fast shakes and bars. Avoid candy and other high sugar content foods. The sugar buzz may give you a brief burst of energy, but the bonk that follows will leave you asleep on your feet. A beverage is also essential. Water will do the best job of keeping you hydrated. A thermos of hot cider, coffee or cocao is good for the soul.
Sleep deprivation and hunger can combine to bring on a nasty headache. Bring aspirin or the painkiller of your choice. Of course, a short nap can do wonders for your energy level at 4:00am. If you do plan to nap during the marathon, bring an alarm clock. You'll kick yourself, if you end up sleeping until dawn after logging 50 objects before midnight.
Miscellaneous items include extra batteries for the flashlight; a hair dryer to fight off dew; a portable battery for any electrical devices; a sleeping bag for that short midnight nap; a camera and tripod to make a photographic record of your marathon; and a cell phone. These are the items that will help make an all-night observing session not just tolerable, but enjoyable and safe.
Now that you've selected a date and site for the marathon, it's time to prepare for the big night.
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