From:  AJ Crayon
Subject:  2016 All Arizona Messier Marathon Report

This year Rick Tejera asked me to do the coordination for him as other 
responsibilities took precedence.  It was great to do the Marathon again and 
experience the changes that have taken place in just a few short years.  
Briefly they are the dinner, swap meet and an Under 18 award.

Before the marathon many observers gathered the day before for their personal 
observing lists, myself being one of them and we wish we hadn't.  The winds 
kicked up from a steady 20 mph (32 kph) and gusting up to 35mph (56 kph).  
Needless to say no observing got done and many telescopes were not set up for 
the evening.

The weather Saturday cooperated far, far better it was even good weather for 
the great 3rd Annual pre-Marathon Dinner organized and served by Lori Prause.  
A big thanks to her.  It was delicious.  After dinner SAC President Mike 
Poppre hosted the raffle, Kevin Kozel did some great work at the last minute 
getting astronomy things together via donations and whatever.

It was estimated about 50 vehicles of sorts were there and about 60 folks.  
Of them 26 turned in lists.

After the dinner and raffle everyone headed back to their scopes to make 
final preparations for the marathon.  Unfortunately yours trulys telescope 
had alignment problems all night and didn't participate.  Later the next 
day someone asked about star hoping instead of using the ever so convenient 
electronics.  Too bad I didn't have a star chart, it would have been an 
interesting experience using this long forgotten method.

It was well understood that this was not going to be a time for all 110 
objects to be seen, the problem being M30.  So to date 26 sheets have been 
turned in with 109 being the highest found by 10 observers including first 
timer Chris Stephens.  Five folks bagged 108 and one had 107.

This year a new award has been made available to encourage observers under 
18 to participate.  They will receive a certificate of participation, those 
with 25 or more will receive a certificate of achievement and the top 3 
under 18 will receive plaques as well.  This year they include 
Marisa Rulien with 105, Molly Wiese with 46 and Will Dowdell with 28.  
It should be noted that Milly Wiese did hers star hoping with 15X70 
binoculars.  These folks deserve to be recognized for their achievements.

Finally there are a number of folks who helped make this event a success and 
they are
	Jack Jones for assisting with various logistics
	Kevin Kozel for collecting prizes for the raffle
	Lori Prause for catering the dinner
	Claude Haynes of the East Valley Astronomy Club for bringing
          the canopies and midnight setup of snacks and coffee


AJ Crayon
All Arizona Messier Marathon Coordinator