Messier Marathon is ON!
Arrive before Sunset,
as you will need time to set up your gear and prepare!
Tonight we dedicate to Charles Messier with a Messier Marathon. Those conducting a marathon will need to begin promptly as darkness will permit. The gate will close at 6:30 PM. NO ENTRY after gate closes! Driving up to observatory with headlights disrupts those participating in the Marathon.
Members and their guests are welcome to set up their own personal gear to observe from the amphitheater of the Ryan Observatory. This opportunity provides members with a secure dark sky location and an opportunity to conduct a self directed Messier Marathon. With good conditions, we can see the Milky Way from the Observatory site.
The form we will use to validate your Marathon (for a Rittenhouse Certificate) is the Messier Marathon Log. Please print your own. The completed form is to be submitted for a completion certificate.
Other Resources to prepare:
Search Sequence given by Don Machholz in his Messier Marathon Observer's Guide.
Plan of Action - Map of suggested observation path.
Dress Warmly! If the observatory is open, please know they are NOT HEATED. Visitor Center is not open for other than bathroom use. Campground is closed for the season, there is no overnight camping.