The number of Messier objects visible in any one night varies depending on a few factors, including the location of the observer, the duration of daylight and nighttime, and the season (the positions of the Messier objects relative to the Sun varies with the season).
Location
Because Messier compiled his catalog from a northern latitude, not all of the Messier objects are visible from the southern hemisphere. In particular, M81, M82, M52, and M103 make southern-hemisphere Messier marathons difficult, because they are all located at a declination of 60° north or greater. Although a Messier marathon can be attempted from any northern latitude, low northern latitudes are best. In particular, a latitude of around 25° north lends the best possibility to complete a Messier marathon at the right time of year.
Season
At low northern latitudes, particularly around latitude 25° north, it is possible to observe all Messier objects in one night during a window of a few weeks from mid-March to early April. In that period the dark nights around the time of the new moon are best for a Messier marathon.
Other times of year
Less complete Messier marathons can be undertaken at other times of the year, with the actual percentage of Messier objects seen depending upon season and location. In particular, there is a short period around the autumnal equinox when most of the objects can be seen.[1]
The marathon
The Messier Marathon was invented independently by American astronomers Tom Hoffelder, Donald Machholz, and Tom Reiland in the 1970s. Typically an observer attempting a Messier marathon begins observing at sundown and will observe through the night until sunrise in order to see all 110 objects. An observer starts with objects low in the western sky at sunset, hoping to view them before they dip out of view, then works eastward across the sky. By sunrise, the successful observer will be observing the last few objects low on the eastern horizon, hoping to see them before the sky becomes too bright due to the rising sun. The evening can be a test of stamina and willpower depending on weather conditions and the physical fitness of the observer. Particularly crowded regions of the sky (namely, the Virgo Cluster and the Milky Way's Galactic Center) can prove to be challenging to an observer as well, and a Messier marathon will generally budget time for these regions accordingly.
Organized marathons
Marathons are typically organized by a local astronomy organization or astronomical society as a special type of star party. These are usually attempted at least once every year. Some clubs issue certificates/awards either for participation or for achieving a set number of objects.
Peoria Astronomical Society's tips for participating in a Messier Marathon. Includes tips for preparations as well as for difficult portions of the marathon.
Messier biography and history of the Messier Catalog, SEDS
NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day: Iran Messier Marathon (19 April 2008)
messier, marathon, this, article, includes, list, general, references, lacks, sufficient, corresponding, inline, citations, please, help, improve, this, article, introducing, more, precise, citations, february, 2013, learn, when, remove, this, template, messag. This article includes a list of general references but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations February 2013 Learn how and when to remove this template message A Messier marathon is an attempt usually organized by amateur astronomers to find as many Messier objects as possible during one night The Messier catalogue was compiled by French astronomer Charles Messier during the late 18th century and consists of 110 relatively bright deep sky objects galaxies nebulae and star clusters Plot of the Messier objects relative to the modern constellations ecliptic and Milky Way using equatorial coordinates right ascension declination Contents 1 When and where a marathon is possible 1 1 Location 1 2 Season 1 3 Other times of year 2 The marathon 3 Organized marathons 4 See also 5 References 6 External linksWhen and where a marathon is possible EditThe number of Messier objects visible in any one night varies depending on a few factors including the location of the observer the duration of daylight and nighttime and the season the positions of the Messier objects relative to the Sun varies with the season Location Edit Because Messier compiled his catalog from a northern latitude not all of the Messier objects are visible from the southern hemisphere In particular M81 M82 M52 and M103 make southern hemisphere Messier marathons difficult because they are all located at a declination of 60 north or greater Although a Messier marathon can be attempted from any northern latitude low northern latitudes are best In particular a latitude of around 25 north lends the best possibility to complete a Messier marathon at the right time of year Season Edit At low northern latitudes particularly around latitude 25 north it is possible to observe all Messier objects in one night during a window of a few weeks from mid March to early April In that period the dark nights around the time of the new moon are best for a Messier marathon Other times of year Edit Less complete Messier marathons can be undertaken at other times of the year with the actual percentage of Messier objects seen depending upon season and location In particular there is a short period around the autumnal equinox when most of the objects can be seen 1 The marathon EditThe Messier Marathon was invented independently by American astronomers Tom Hoffelder Donald Machholz and Tom Reiland in the 1970s Typically an observer attempting a Messier marathon begins observing at sundown and will observe through the night until sunrise in order to see all 110 objects An observer starts with objects low in the western sky at sunset hoping to view them before they dip out of view then works eastward across the sky By sunrise the successful observer will be observing the last few objects low on the eastern horizon hoping to see them before the sky becomes too bright due to the rising sun The evening can be a test of stamina and willpower depending on weather conditions and the physical fitness of the observer Particularly crowded regions of the sky namely the Virgo Cluster and the Milky Way s Galactic Center can prove to be challenging to an observer as well and a Messier marathon will generally budget time for these regions accordingly Organized marathons EditMarathons are typically organized by a local astronomy organization or astronomical society as a special type of star party These are usually attempted at least once every year Some clubs issue certificates awards either for participation or for achieving a set number of objects See also EditList of Messier objectsReferences Edit October 15 October 2016 External links EditMessier Marathon History Interactive Messier Catalog Greenhawk Observatory The Messier Marathon SEDS http www astras stargate com holdm htm Peoria Astronomical Society s tips for participating in a Messier Marathon Includes tips for preparations as well as for difficult portions of the marathon Clickable table of Messier objects Short biography of Charles Messier and history of the Messier Object Catalog Messier biography and history of the Messier Catalog SEDS NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day Iran Messier Marathon 19 April 2008 Messier Objects Ranked By Observing DifficultyPortals Astronomy Stars Spaceflight Outer space Solar System Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Messier marathon amp oldid 1110409416, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
