The 2024 All Arizona Messier Marathon will be held this year on March 9-10th, 2024 [Sat Evening inc Sun AM].
But, this year we will be at the Hovatter North observing site, —NOT at the Antennas site, Not the Salome Airfield–.
In addition, the site will be available on Friday March 8th for an additional night of practice, observing & socializing.
If you are on Facebook, be sure to join the All Arizona Messier Marathon Group for update and information as the event nears.
Parking is open, please use common sense.
If you plan on leaving early please use parking etiquette.
Please park with your headlights north to minimize any disruption to the other observers as you leave.
GPS coordinates:
N33° 39′ 19.44″ W113° 36′ 11.447″ Elevation: 1,340 ft.
Lat,Long 33.6554,-113.60318
Astronomical Data
| Sunset | 18:32 |
| Moon set | 18:02 |
| Sunrise | 06:46 |
Directions Hovatter North observing site.
Directions: drive N off Hovatter exit for approximately 3.5 miles.
At that point, there is a surface excavation site ahead, just before that turn right into the general observing area.
Messier Plus [Not Verified for 2024]
In addition to the 110 Messier objects, this year only 2 Planets and Pluto will be visible at some point during the night. Observe Pluto and earn the Tombaugh endorsement!
Before continuing be sure you have read and signed the waiver for the event. The waiver is available at this link. Basically, SAC is not responsible for loss, theft, broken items, nor for any bodily injuries you may sustain. Sorry for the legalese but it is a sign of the times. Please turn in the signed waiver at the event, preferably at the sunset meeting.
Your observing activities will not go unnoticed; there will be awards in recognition of effort. People observing or imaging 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; there will be no sudden death observe off (:
Registration in advance is not required. The event is free and open to all. There is no charge for the certificates.
**Messier Marathon Dinner & Raffle**
*** Not for 2024 *** We will NOT be having the Traditional pre-Marathon dinner or Rafel this year.
Please remember to bring plenty of water (it’s still the desert).
**Under 18**
In recent years there has been growing participation by younger astronomers. To help encourage this trend, this year, the All Arizona Messier Marathon will offer a separate award category for observers under the age of 18. All U18 observers will receive a certificate of participation. Those observing 25 or more objects will received a certificate of achievement. And the top 3 observers in the U18 category will receive plaques as well as the certificates.
So, if you are under 18 and have an interest in astronomy come on out and observe! If you know a young astronomer, let them know and encourage them to join us.
The only caveat is all U18 observers must be accompanied by a responsible adult and must be listed on that adult’s Liability waiver.
Previous Messier Marathon Observer’s Results
| 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 |
| 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
Feel intimidated? Don’t think you can reach high counts? DON’T WORRY! ENJOY!
- Set your own goals and don’t bother with those high counts.
- The marathon is for having fun!
- Set your goals in order for you to have fun!
The guidelines are pretty simple, please read them over if you plan on participating.
- It’s an honor system.
- No one is going to be looking over your shoulder to verify your observations.
- Get an observing list to keep track of observations.
- Fill out the heading.
- Find an object.
- Observe/image it with your eye through the main eyepiece of your telescope.
- Mark off the entry.
- Go to the next object.
Start observing/imaging when you are ready, presumably some time after sun set. It is up to you to decide when you are finished observing. Some conditions could be when you have reached a set goal or sometime after morning twilight.
Here are some additional guidelines you should be aware of. These cover situations and conditions that have occurred in the past, but in no way do they cover the myriad of possibilities that may happen.
Locating Objects:
- Participants may use a variety of means to locate objects. This includes memorizing positions; using binoculars, books or star charts for star hopping. The use of setting circles, either analog or digital is also permissible. GoTo telescopes can also be used.
Multiple Observers:
- In a small number of cases there have been teams of two observers per telescope. This is allowed subject to the same conditions as has been followed in the past. The condition is that each observer should find one-half the objects and both must observe all objects.
- There is an option in the case of an award. Either one award can be presented with both names or two awards can be presented – one with each name. Please let us know which you select by noting this on the observing list that is turned in at the conclusion of the event. In either case, if the award is for a plaque, you or your club will be expected to pay for one or both. It is recommended, that when paying by mail, to pay for the award by check or money order. Please avoid sending payment by cash.
- Three or more observers per telescope can’t qualify for an award. It is possible to do the marathon this way, but none are eligible for awards.
Multiple Instruments:
- Participants using two or more instruments are eligible for only one award. This is not to be construed as one award for each instrument, it is one award for the observer.
Non-Payment:
- Individuals or clubs that haven’t paid for prior awards are not eligible for awards until paid up. However, it is still possible to do the marathon.
Registration
The only form of registration is a) an observing list used to record your observations and b) a signed waiver. Be sure to get an observation list, either from one of the local astronomy clubs, one of the coordinators or at the site. You can also print one from our web site, see the link above. If you plan on using this or your personal printed version at the marathon, please use both sides so only one sheet is used and turned in to the coordinators. This helps greatly with recording the event because multiple sheets from many observers can get mixed up, possibly causing errors in recording the event and determining awards.
Be sure to fill in the top portion so awards and certificates can given to all who earn them. The observing list will be returned with your award.
It is important to remember that your list must be turned in to one of the Coordinators before they leave the site. Either you or someone else you designate may turn in your list. One of us will stay, at least until sunrise, so be sure to get yours in before then. This procedure is followed in order to provide the awards in a timely fashion. Again, don’t forget to fill out the top.
The results will be posted, after some verification, on the Messier Marathon Observer’s Results web page referenced above as well as the SAC site.
More Marathon Information
- A description of the object is not necessary, especially since it will take precious time needed to find the remaining objects.
- Study the list sequences, or use your own. Be prepared for the extremely unlikely case it should become cloudy and the selected sequence cannot be followed.
- Although it is possible to do the marathon with a 4-inch telescope, or smaller, or binoculars, it is not suggested unless you are an experienced observer.
- Plan on arriving at the site at least 30 minutes before sunset to provide time to setup your telescope and for it to reach thermal equilibrium. This will also give you time to meet old friends and make new ones.
- If you are NOT going to stay all night:
- Park near the entrance so you don’t disturb others when you depart.
- Please give a shout a few minutes before leaving and then again as you are about to depart.
- This will give observers time to hide so the light doesn’t interfere with night vision.
- A port-a-Jon will be on-site. Remember this is a primitive site and we strive to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
- Signs will be posted at the entrance to remind drivers to keep the speed down because of the dust levels. We are on the Sonoran Desert!
- Please ensure your red filtered flashlights are in good working order and PLEASE no white lights between sun set and sun rise. For more information on star party etiquette click here!
- There have been a few questions asked on other forums regarding the Messier Marathon. I’ll address those here, hopefully all questions will be answered.
- First up: the use of green laser pointers as finders. This has been asked by several folks looking to do the Marathon with mounted binoculars. In the past the question has been raised, but not as finders. I’ve said in the past that as long as their use is not constant and disruptive, the use of GLP’s was OK. I understand the bino user’s need for a method of finding and with that in mind I’m willing to say ok to their use with the following restriction: Please use low power (less than 10mW) lasers and minimize as much as possible. You’ll still be close enough to the rest of us for the inevitable socializing that is the Messier Marathon.
- The next issue is the question of alcohol use. Apparently, there is some mention prohibiting alcohol use that I’ve either forgotten about or just didn’t know about. Either way it has not been a problem, astronomers are a responsible bunch of people, at the least the ones I know 😊. So rather than create a solution in search of a problem I will trust everyone in attendance to be responsible in the consumption of their libations of choice. Let’s just call it don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t get drunk.
- And last, the use of generators: Last year we received several complaints about the noise from generators running after dark. Part of the draw of astronomy is the peace and quiet under a starlit sky, so with that in mind we request that generator use be limited to daytime. Use the time to charge your batteries for the night. If you absolutely have to run a generator after dark, we ask that you park well away from the main group, preferably up the north runway
- Any questions on these issues (or any others you may have), please reach out to me either on the All Arizona Messier Marathon Facebook page or directly at saguaroastro@cox.net
We will have a very short meeting just before sunset for final announcements and words of encouragement.
If you plan on participating, then doing some homework ahead of time will pay dividends. You may wish to study the observing list from the link above.
Still not interested in the marathon? COME ANYWAY; enjoy a night of observing, astrophotography, or just plain old socializing.
Please keep in mind this observing site is not our property, it belongs to the BLM, is rather primitive; which means if you need something, bring it with you and be sure to take it back with you. Let’s leave the site at least as clean as it was when we arrived.