Ready to Marathon? Not so fast! Unless you've done a Messier Marathon before (probably with friends at a star party, or after some "reading up" on how to do it) you've got some prep work to do.
What: A Messier Marathon is an all night (or as long as you can stay awake!) search to try to identify as many of the Messier objects as you can, up to 110! If you time it right, are properly prepared, and try to find the objects in the best possible order, you'll find many of them! Also under the "what" category would be " what equipment should I use?" Well if you are like many backyard astronomers, you have a telescope already and won't by another just for this marathon, but a 6" inch or larger scope is plenty. But if you have a larger scope you'll have a better chance at finding the faint objects. Simple mounts may be better in this type of undertaking. Remember, if you have a computerized scope, turn off it's computer! Messier himself may never have used anything larger than an 80mm, and it certainly had no computer! Also we recommend first using a telrad type finder, then your viewfinder or spotting scope on your telescope may be better used as the second "finder". Then try the telescope last. Also, got binoculars? These handy items could bag you many items, especially the "easy" ones ( as listed on the "Messier Objects" page), without having to contort yourself to your scopes angle! Also an adjustable chair is excellent for this undertaking get one now if you can, you deserve it! of course you'll need some type of sky charts, if you can't afford that right now, try to find some on the internet or perhaps check a book out of the library, and remember your red flashlight, you'll need your night vision (red light tends to not constrict your pupils).
How: Be prepared and have the right equipment. Make sure you've had plenty of rest the night before, or maybe take a nap at some point before the big night. Remember, the nights activities are not object study, you just need to identify the object and then move on. Print out the objects on the "Logs-Programs" section on the "Posters!" page page. These are sorted not by Messier number, but by the best "finding" order. They are also divided into groups for study with some break time in between. After you have got your equipment setup and twilight starts to come, you'll need to find four objects before they set. The first two on the list must be found low in the west in twilight. These are M74 and M77. They are "difficult" objects and perhaps impossible depending on conditions, equipment etc. Find these objects soon or move on, there are plenty of things you will find. We won't go into detail on how to try to find all the objects, but try to find M72 and M73 next. Then throughout the night mark off which objects you were able to find on your printout. In the morning when dawn is approaching, you'll need to try to spot the last item on our list, M30, a small globular cluster in Capricorn. This is another object that may elude you with the dawn approaching, and the time of month and depending on your location and conditions. Also please report your results and comments on the message board for all to see! Good luck !
When: The best time of year to "bag" the maximum number of objects is March. This is the only time of year when the Sun is in just the right spot to keep from blocking your twilight to dawn ability to see these objects. You'll start at twilight on a night in March to find the most objects, or practice anytime! See the "Marathon dates" page for the best dates and mark your calendars!
Where: You'll need to have as dark a site as possible, and you'll also need as unobstructed as possible horizon views. It wouldn't hurt to have a place with at least coffee and restrooms available, for the periods of rest you'll be able to get in between busy periods. When you find all these factors, you've got a good spot!
Why: For fun, we are assuming you love looking at the night sky anyway! Also studying where the objects are, and in what constellation, can really give you better knowledge of the sky. Wouldn't you like to have much of the night sky memorized! Remember this is your hobby, have fun and don't get upset if you can't get all 110!
Who: You! And bring along any interested friends, they may become backyard astronomers themselves! Remind them it's not always this much work!