Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2003 22:06:53 +0000 From: Bev M Ewen-Smith Subject: Messier Marathon results 2003 We had a success again at COAA - Algarve Observatory, Portugal, this year. After a few preliminary attempts on the preceding nights when conditions were less than perfect, success came on the night of April 01/02. The lead observer on this occasion was George Gilbart-Smith who was assisted from time to time during the night by John Harris, Ian Braithwaite and Dr Bev Ewen-Smith (of COAA). Unlike the previous Marathon successes at COAA, which had omitted the controversial M102, for this attempt George was careful to include NGC5866 in order to appease those who choose to disbelieve the Mechain letter about M102. There is a "morning after" picture of the grinning George on our recent pictures page. http://www.ip.pt/coaa/recntpic.htm Regards Bev COAA ><> COAA - Algarve Astronomy ><> sitio do Poio, 8500-149 Portimão Portugal Tel +351 282 471180 Fac +351 282 471516 http://www.coaa.co.uk