From: Dave Brennen
To: spider
Subject: 2004 Messier Marathon Results
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2004 14:49:06 -1000

The Hilo Astronomy Club attempted their first Messier Marathon on the 
evenings of March 19 & 20 from the 9,300 foot level of Mauna Kea.  After 
a good, but windy, start on Friday night the weather closed in and 
prevented any further attempts.  A similar attempt by the University of 
Hawaii at Hilo Astronomy Club on Saturday night also failed.

Two member of the Hilo Astronomy Club report formal results:

Michael Connelley - 63 objects (missed M52, M110 & M40, but completed 
Virgo Cluster by 10 PM using a homemade 12.5" Dob)
Dave Brennen - 64 objects (missed M42 & M40 - but completed Virgo 
Cluster before 10PM using an 11" Celestron NexStar GPS)

We are already planning our 2005 attempt.  Because M52 was already block 
by the horizon at sunset we will attempt next year from the 11,000 ft. 
level of Mauna Loa immediately to the south.

_______________________________

Dave Brennen, President
Hilo Astronomy Club