The [OLD] Arizona Marathon Observing Site

Important Notice: As of late 2010, the Arizona Marathon Observing Site had to be changed, because of problems with the old site. The new land owner does not want us crossing his property to gain access to the site. There are also problems with things that go bump in the night and they are armed. So you "MUST" stay away from the old site! DO NOT GO THERE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!

See here for the new site (Hovatter Airstrip).

The [OLD] Arizona Marathon Observing Site

The Saguaro Astronomy Club (SAC) gives the following hints for the Arizona Messier Marathon:

This is a REMOTE site. Please plan accordingly. The nearest restaurant's are in Arizona City, about 30 miles and 30 minutes drive. Bring you own food & beverages (no alcohol please) and any other supplies you may need to get you through the night.
There will be a Port-O-John set up in the middle of the field for your convenience.
The site is open desert; Keep in mind dust can be a problem. Protect your equipment when not in use.
Bring proper dress. Although this is Arizona, the desert gets cold at night. Expect temperatures to drop into the low 40's by midnight. Remember, it is best to dress in layers, adding as the temperature drops.
The marathon is not Friday night, the site will be available for those who wish to get in an extra night's observing.
For those of you with computerized telescopes or who are just curious about these things the site's coordinates are:
```
  N 32 deg 27 min 45.2 sec
  W 111 deg 43 min 53.2 sec
  EL: 1800 ft (548.6 m)
  
```

SAC Arizona Marathon Observing Site webpage

Getting to the site:

The site is about between Tucson and Phoenix, 80 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, 86 Miles from Tucson Intl Airport.
The nearest town of any size is Casa Grande.
Allow at least 2 hours to get to the site from either airport. The road leading to the site is dirt, although it is well maintained, you really don't want to go faster than 30 mph.
If you think you'll need help getting to the site, contact one of the coordinators prior to your arrival in Arizona. They will be happy to help you. You may be able to set up a convoy to help you get to the site.
If you're planning to leave during the Marathon, please set up near the entrance to the site. Observe star party etiquette and alert people to your imminent departure.
If you plan on taking astro-photo's set up at the rear of the site past the main observing area. This will help insure any stray lights don't disturb you.
Please remember this is private property. We are here at the invitation of the landowner. Please respect his property. If you bring it in, bring it out.

SAC's Getting to the Arizona Marathon Site page

SAC's 2010 All Arizona Messier Marathon page

Messier Marathon Home

Hartmut Frommert
Christine Kronberg
[contact]

Last Modification: February 2, 2011