Date: Tue, Apr 17, 2012
From: Harshad Abhyankar 
Subject: Messier Marathon report from Akashmitra, Pune

Hi Hartmut,

Sending the report of the Messier Marathon(s) we at Akashmitra Association 
attempted this year.

Members of Akashmitra Association (Pune, India) attempted the Messier 
Marathon on two dates this year.  On 19-20 March, Harshad Abhyankar, 
Kshitija Kelkar and Abha Vaishampayan went to Ghansavangi, near Jalna, 
about 350 km from Pune, in search of a dark site.  However, somewhat dusty 
and hazy western sky deprived them of some evening objects.  Harshad 
scored 106, missing 32, 110, 74, 33.  Kshitija spotted 98 and Abha's score 
was 76.

Another group went to Pokhri, near Bheemashankar, about 100 km from Pune, 
on 24-25 March.  Their scores were:  Jameer Manur (75), Bharat Noval (52), 
Niraj (51), Arrish (50), Nikit Dongaonkar (28), Chetan Gokhale (28), 
Shrikant Vinchurkar (28).

Nikhil Sharma and Amol Kankaria's telescope had a problem and they had to 
abandon the marathon after spotting about 10 objects.

Thanks & regards,
- Harshad.