2018 Messier Marathon

[MTBehnke]

I don't see the dates for this year's MM on the calendar yet. I want to make sure to block out those dates.

The MM page says "The marathon is scheduled for the new moon weekend nearest the spring equinox with Friday being the primary night, and Saturday being the backup night."

The equinox is March 20th and the new moon is Saturday, March 17th.

Is it safe to assume the MM will be on March 16th with March 17th as the backup?

[Sureshks]

Hi Mike,

Not sure why these aren't on the calendar yet... but a month ago Jerry J. sent me a list of tentative dates for 2018 CGO events.

He listed:
- Fri. March 16th is a possible date for the Messier Marathon
- Fri April 13th is the date listed for a more probable date for the MM

FYI:
- Re: the Virgo Venture he lists Fri. May 11th, with a backup date on May 18

I hope this helps!

Suresh

[Enberg]

Part of the decision for the MM is whether CGO is dry enough to use. Some years the field is too soggy in March.

[MTBehnke]

Thanks - I'll block out all those dates.

[heinerv]

It's not easy to make a decision on relocating the Messier Marathon. However, the field at CGO is not in good condition with the 8" of snow from the last storm. With potentially more on the way this weekend, it seems best to plan to move the event to ELO where observing areas will dry out faster than at CGO. This has certainly been a different spring.

[Deane Clark]

So, the marathon is officially moved to ELO then? Sorry, the “seems best” language sounds a little vague to me.

[Enberg]

Technically, the Observing chair manages the MM but our distinguished cloud-whisperer of an observing chair is out of the country and out of touch for a few more days. As far as I know, Jerry did not leave anyone else in charge as he has done in the past (several times it has been me) for observing events. So he plans to be back in time for the marathon.

[clayton]

Jerry is having issues signing in on the forum. I have been trading emails with him.
If we get him access he can call it, otherwise I will call it Sunday night. We'll get the announcement out at least by Monday and update the website and calendars.

Merle reserved ELO for the MM as a contingency and I have ELO reserved for the BSIG April 28 which also will most likely move.

[jjones7777]

Greetings all,

The Messier Marathon has been officially moved to ELO due to lousy field conditions at Cherry Grove. My apologies for not getting this info to you sooner. I was unable to get to the website here from the UK. Clayton was kind enough to let me - and the entire UK - back in.

So, YES - the Messier Marathon will be at ELO, and I will be making the call as I will be returning from the UK on Tuesday. I have every intention to be available on Friday or Saturday night.

All of the necessary information for the Messier Marathon is already on the Messier Marathon webpage.

See you Friday or Saturday!

BTW, The Herschel Museum in Bath was really great, as was the Royal Greenwich Observatory.

[jjones7777]

Greetings All,

The weather is not looking fantastic for this week's start-to-the-observing year. I'll give updates as we move closer to Friday.

Clear skies (someday),