Each and every member of WASI is invited to come and enjoy this special event. You may wish to bring your telescope, binoculars, or both and participate in the marathon yourself or just come and relax. Bring a warm coat and perhaps a portable chair so that you won't need to stand the entire evening. You might also enjoy bringing a warm beverage to sip on. Feel free to bring a friend or your family members to share Messier's celestial treasures with.
Resources
Based on many hours of experience from previous marathons, A.L. Master Observer Ron Smith has prepared a tailored list detailing the prescribed order for completing the marathon. The order varies from location to location and WASI's is customized for our specific Latitude. You'll notice for instance that if the early setters M74 and M77 are not observed early on, prior to the end of evening twilight, they will likely be missed. The checklist is available online at the WASI web site at http://www.marstown.org/files/messier.txt. Print out a copy and bring it with you to the marathon and use it to keep track of the objects you observe.
Prospects for the current year
The Messier Marathon is currently scheduled for Saturday, March 21.
The sun sets at 07:21 p.m. EDT and astronomical twilight ends at 08:52 p.m. Morning astronomical twilight begins at 05:37 a.m. and the sun rises at 07:23 a.m. The waning crescent moon rises at 6:44 a.m. Between sunset and sunrise there are 12 hours and 2 minutes of darkness.
The rising and setting times for sun and moon and twilight times are summarized in the table below in the "Ephemeris" section.
When?
The marathon is being held on a weekend prior to a new moon. Saturday night is better than Friday for most people. They can come early relaxed, fresh, and rested instead of rushing over after working a full day. For this reason the primary and alternate marathon date are both scheduled on Saturday-Sunday nights.
Here is the Clear Sky Clock for MTO:
Where?
MTO is located near Marston and north of Taylorsville in Carroll County. The nearest incorporated town is New Windsor. Directions to MTO may be found by clicking Should you need further information e-mail Curt at marstown@gmail.com.
(Clicking on the clock will launch the full clock in a new window.)