The Messier Marathon for tonight – Friday – is a GO!

[jjones7777]

Despite the snow this morning (gotta love Minnesota), I am calling the Messier Marathon a GO for tonight.

Both the NOAA and the Canadian Clear Sky Chart agree (how often does that happen?). NOAA is predicting 20% cloud cover at 9:00 pm (astronomical twilight is at 9:34 pm) with cloud cover diminishing to 3% by 2:00 am.

The winds will be stiff (14 mph) until about 10:00 pm when they will drop to about 8 mph. The temps will be in the mid 20s with the wind chill in the mid teens. Consequently: DRESS WARMLY! Rule of thumb: prepare for temps 20º lower than expected. Thus, dress for temps around ZERO.

The CGO field will no doubt be soggy, so dob owners might want to bring a ground cloth. Also, Vic has requested that NO ONE drive on the field; be prepared to haul stuff.

Feel free to arrive as soon as you desire, although the warming house might not be open until 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm.

LET THE OBSERVING SEASON BEGIN!

Go Charles.

[jjones7777]

Greetings all,
In an effort to encourage the spirit of competition, I'm going to use the following rules for tonight's Messier Marathon:

Rules for the Messier Marathon Competition:

Without a doubt, there are two reason for us to hold a Messier Marathon.
1. Because it's cool that you can do it in one night!
2. Because it's cool to just get out under the stars with friends whether or not you 'compete'.

Both are GREAT reasons. For those of you who intend to 'compete', here are the rules and the PRIZES (sorry, no pins - at least not YET...):

1. All Messier objects MUST be found MANUALLY – no GOTO or DCS (digital setting circles).
2. Any equipment is acceptable: binoculars, telescope, naked eye, etc.
3. In order to claim a prize, you must observe at least 15 Messier Objects:
-For the most Messier Objects observed: you can choose between any prize: t-shirt, hat, sweatshirt, mug – if we have it, you can have it.
-For 2nd place: you get to choose what's left
-For 3rd place: you get to choose what's left
4. ANYONE who hands in a Messier Marathon form with AT LEAST 5 Messier Objects, get a lanyard (thanks to Merle, I've got lots of them)

I'm looking forward to seeing all of you tonight. DRESS WARMLY!

Go Charles!