Contributed by A.J. Crayon and Rick Tejera The 2008 All Arizona Messier Marathon By Rick Tejera Once a year, the normally empty spot of desert just past a cotton field 30 miles from anywhere in the Arizona desert is visited by a group of people set on staying awake all night. Why would any travel such distances to stay up all night in spot with absolutely nothing around? Well these are not ordinary folks, they are amateur astronomers and the end of March/Beginning of April means only one thing to them: The Messier Marathon. At this time of year it becomes possible to observe all or most of the 110 deep sky objects French astronomer Charles Messier catalogued back in the late 1700's in one night. This brings out the competitive spirit on Amateur Astronomers as they look to test their stamina & observing skills. The group converging on this barren landscape in Arizona is here to participate in the 2008 All Arizona Messier Marathon. The event, hosted by the Deep Sky Group of the Saguaro Astronomy Club (www.saguaroastro.org) has become the premier event of its kind. The combination of clear dark desert skies & pleasant climate draws observers from al over the world. This year about 100 hardy souls joined in the fun. The majority of observers come from Phoenix & Tucson (The site is about halfway between the two cities). California, Oregon & Michigan were also represented this year. We ere also pleased to welcome observers from Hermosillo, Mexico, ensuring the international flavor of the event. This year the wind as howling during the day and unfortunately a rogue dust devil managed to ruin one observer's telescope. A few other scope ere caught in the wind but survived to observe the night away. By subset the wind had died down enough to begin the fun. One tradition of the All Arizona Messier Marathon is the twilight pep talk. Normally given by event coordinator AJ Crayon, this year SAC newsletter Editor Rick Tejera filled in as AJ had to attend to family commitments. Once the talk was completed, the observers prepped their weapons and waited the darkness. The AAMM is an informal affair; rules are more guidelines than hard fast requirements. The only real rule is that in order to qualify for an observing award, the observer must view each object through the main eyepiece of his instrument with his on eyes. CCDS webcams etc don't count. The event is run on the honor system; no one is there to check your observations. It's been pointed out that the goal is to have fun, so there is no restriction on using go-to or DSC's. All observers who qualify will receive their awards. Observers who log 50 or more objects receive a certificate to commemorate the achievement. The observers with the three highest total object observed receive plaques suitable for mounting on their telescope. As the twilight drew to a close, observers quickly hunted down the objects in the evening twilight before they set. This year M74 was not visible due to the late date, but at least one observed found M77 (The official tally has not yet been counted as this is written). The Andromeda Galaxies proved difficult for several observers as there were some low lying clouds in that direction. Several observers got these objects in morning twilight. M32 was another object that stymied several observers as well. Even though they knew it as in the field of view with M31, there just was not enough detail to discern this satellite of M31. Once the twilight rush passed, the pace settled into its more familiar relaxed pace. Most observers had completed the list through the Virgo cluster by midnight and took a nap or mingled with other observers until the morning objects began to rise. This year, again due to the late date, the normally frustrating morning twilight objects proved easy. The normally challenging M30 was quite high by twilight. Those who missed M31 & co in the evening had a second chance to bag those objects before turning in their checklists. By the time daylight dawned 50 observers had turned in their checklists. Although unofficial, the top score reported as 109. Several observers had 108 & 107 respectively. No one found M74, & M 32 & M33 were the other commonly missed objects. As I collected the checklists in the morning, I asked each observer if they had fun. The response as unanimous all had a good time. To the Saguaro Astronomy Club, that is the true measure of the success of the event. The official results will be posted on the Saguaro Astronomy Club's website in the near future, along with observing reports. SAC wishes to thank all who participated as the event is nothing without you. We hope you'll join us next year for the 2009 Al Arizona Messier Marathon. Clear Skies.