The best way to prepare for the marathon is to practice finding Messier objects. You don't need to observe every Messier object before the big night--although that would help--but you should try to observe the toughest evening and morning objects. This can be done in two observing sessions. Select a moonless evening in February or March to hunt down M77, M110, M33, M76 and M74. These are the most challenging evening objects. If you don't mind getting up early some morning, an hour spent locating M15, M2, M72, M73 and M30 will pay big dividends. Unfortunately, the best time of year to practice on the morning objects is during the month after marathon season. Just consider it practice for next year's Messier Marathon.

You should also practice working through the Virgo cluster of galaxies. This is an area where many a novice observer has gotten lost. Use a moonless night in late February or early March to practice this section of the marathon. Detailed charts will be essential. There are literally hundreds of Messier and NGC galaxies lurking in this region of the sky. Many are visible in a moderate aperture telescope. I've prepared a special section to help you navigate through the Realm of the Galaxies. Check out my Tour of the Virgo Cluster.

In short, you want everything functioning at the highest level the night of the marathon. That includes you and your observing equipment. Does your telescope have a battery-powered drive? Put in fresh batteries. Do the same for your red flashlight. Has it been more than a year since you last cleaned and collimated the optics? Make cleaning and collimation a project for the weekend before the marathon. Are your eyepieces greasy with finger smudges? Clean them, too. Adjust the finder scope alignment. Organize charts and observing aids in their carrying case. Rubbermaid Actionpackers make great portable cases.

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Revised: February 5, 2002 [WDF]