1998 ALL ARIZONA MESSIER MARATHON Sat/Sun, March 28, 1998 Sat. Sunset: 6:47pm MST Sat. Moonset: 7:45pm MST Sat. Twilight: 8:10pm MST Sun. Twilight: 4:58am MST Sun. Sunrise: 6:21am MST Sun. Moonrise: 7:39am MST The Saguaro Astronomy Club is pleased to announce the 1998 All Arizona Messier Marathon. The date is Saturday, March 28, 1998 at a site south of Arizona City, AZ, the same place as the 1997 All Arizona Star Party. See map for details. By now we all know about this all night session to observe the entire 110 objects in the Messier Catalogue. This year the heavens are well placed to give us optimal chances to bag the entire catalogue! This is the largest observing session in Arizona and has produced the best attended Marathons on record. Those of you with access to the internet can verify this by checking out the following site: http://www.seds.org/messier/xtra/marathon/results.html We looked at the possibilty of setting a record for the Guinness Book of World Records, but encountered some problems. For instance, breaks had to be taken by all and at the same time. We thought that one port-a-john would seem to cause an undesirable bottle neck. Hence the record thought was dropped. But we will still have the port-a-john for your relaxation. It can be used at your leisure. A note about the site: It is managed by Ray Farnsworth and we should thank him for allowing us use of the site. If you plan on attending, first watch the weather and plan to show up BEFORE sunset. Better yet, arrive well before sunset to give yourself more time to setup and visit with others. Evening objects that are hard to find are M74 and M77. The most difficult morning object should be M30. This year we are blessed with the best chance of bagging all 110 objects. So be prepared with red flash lights, nourishing refreshments and an observing plan. Awards, same as in the past. Plaques for mounting on telescope for 1st, 2nd and 3rd highest totals. Certificates for 50 or more. In order to qualify for awards you need to get an observing form, fill it out, check it off as you marathon along and turn it in before leaving the site. The cost of awards will have to be supported by your club. Observing forms will be available at your club meeting or at the site from the coordinators. Not interested in the marathon? Don't fret, come anyway! Many show up to gab, observe, or take astrophotographs. So don't miss this rare opportunity. E-mail recipients of this will find an Encapsulated Postscript file attached. S-mail recipients will find a printed copy enclosed. Directions to the site: Take I-10 to exit 200 (Sunland Gin Road.) From here it is about 29 miles to the site. Turn right (south) after exiting the freeway. After about 15 miles, the pavement ends and about one mile further, the road turns sharply to the west. After another four miles, the main road will turn south just after the "Silverbell Estates" signs. Three miles past the signs, the road will veer off to the west, and five miles further, the road will pass through a gate. Turn left immediately after the gate and continue for another 2/3 of a mile to the site. To Newsletter editors: You may use this article, or any parts for publication in your club Newsletter. -AJ Crayon, Chairman & Rick Rotramel, Assistant