Messier Astronomical Marathon

Messier Astronomical Marathon to be Held at Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area

Charles Messier (Mezz-e-a) was an 18th – century French astronomer whose main interest was in discovering comets.  He often saw objects that at first to him looked like comets, but were in fact other occupants of the sky.  To keep from being confused in his quest for comets, he made a list of those unfamiliar objects that he and his contemporaries had discovered.  In all, 110 objects comprise the list.  Messier knew about the objects, but not the nature of what the objects were.  Today, Messier’s catalog of comet lookalikes is an excellent compilation of the brightest and best deep-space objects.  The promotion of any astronomy program states that on such and such a night we will see M32 or M14, etc.  These are simply Messier-numbered star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.

A Messier marathon is an attempt, usually organized by amateur astronomers, to find as many of the Messier objects as possible during one night.  The Sugar Creek Astronomical Society of Bella Vista will lead the all-night marathon at Hobbs State Park beginning just before sunset on March 21th and ending at sun up on March 22nd

The evening will begin with a short program in the visitor center on the Messier objects, where they are found in the sky, and in what order the Sugar Creek group will attempt to view them.  Then the marathon begins.

Messier’s telescope was no better than any of today’s 3” models; therefore, many of the objects can be seen with binoculars and some with the naked eye.  The Sugar Creek group will have larger, more powerful scopes, and the public is invited to join in the search utilizing their own telescopes and binoculars.  There will be opportunities for the public to view the deeper space objects through the Sugar Creek Club’s larger scopes.
NOTE:  Public viewing will take place 7:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.  After 9:00 p.m. the Sugar Creek Astronomical Society group will, on their own, get very serious in their search for the 110 Messier objects.

What to Bring:  
• Flashlight (covered with a red cloth or red balloon)
• Binoculars and/or telescope (if you have)
• Appropriate clothing for the evening
• Folding chair – one per person`
• Star chart

When:  Classroom explanation of the Messier Objects starts at 6:30 p.m. with night viewing beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Where:  Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area visitor center located on Hwy 12 just east of the Hwy 12/War Eagle Road intersection

Cost:  FREE

For more information call:  479-789-5000