2001 ALL ARIZONA MESSIER MARATHON
               
                           Site:  Arizona City, AZ
                      
                           Date:  March 24/25, 2001


               Solar Data:
                   March 24 6:33pm Moon set
                            6:43pm Sun set
                            8:04pm astronomical twilight
                            
                   March 25 5:02am astronomical twilight
                            6:21am Sun rise
                            7:04am Moon rise



We don't have much choice for the Marathon this year, but OH what a choice!  The 
only date possible is Saturday, March 24, 2001.  New moon occurs on this date 
around 6:25pm MST!  The optimal chance for finding ALL 110 entries in the 
Messier Catalogue is late March, about the 26th through the 29th.  So we are 
within 2 days of the best chance for viewing the entire catalogue.

Worried about not being able to reach high counts?  DON'T!  Set your own goals, 
don't bother with trying to reach high counts or competing with everyone else.  
You decide on what YOU expect, what you want to do and try to reach the goal.  
And the heck with everybody else!  For instance, try 50 objects.  If you find 
them it qualifies you for a certificate.  If that's too easy for you then "kick 
it up a notch or two" and try for 55, 60 or even 70 objects.  Counts like these 
don't require you to be up the entire night; you can crash once your goal is 
reached.  Then you will have enjoyed the true meaning of the Messier Marathon!

How do we keep track of who sees what?  We don't, you do.  The honor system is 
used so if you see the object, mark it and go on to the next.  There are no 
referees for this exercise.

There will be a check off list available at the site to record your 
observations. Be sure to pick one up, preferably before you start marathoning 
and fill in the top portion so awards can be made. It is important to remember 
that you must turn in your form to one of the Coordinators before leaving the 
site or by sunrise at the latest. We cannot accept any after these times.

The Messier Marathon rules leave the choice of how to locate each object up to 
the observer.  Methods include star hop, setting circles or computer control.  
But you MUST check off each object viewed.

Although it is possible to do the marathon with a 4" telescope we can't really 
suggest this unless you are an experienced observer. Don't forget to check off 
each object as it is observed.

Plan on arriving at the site early enough to set up the telescope and allow it 
to reach thermal equilibrium. Be sure to fill out the heading of the attached 
form!

There are 6 objects within 15 degrees of the western horizon at evening 
twilight.  They are;
            M 74  7 deg
            And  11 deg - all three!
            M 77 12 deg
            M 33 14 deg

There are only 2 objects within 15 degrees of the eastern horizon at morning 
twilight.  They are
            M 30 1 deg - always the toughie
            M103 9 deg

Your efforts will not go unnoticed, as there will be awards in recognition of 
effort.  People observing 50 or more objects will receive an 8 1/2 x 11 
certificate. For first, second and third place there will be plaques suitable 
for mounting on a telescope. Duplicate awards will be made for ties.

We will need either you or your clubs support to help purchase the awards for 
its members.

Still not interested in the marathon?  Come anyway, enjoy a night of observing, 
astro-photography or just plain old socializing.


AJ Crayon
Jack Jones
Messier Marathon Coordinators
Saguaro Astronomy Club