From: AJ Crayon
Subject: 2002 All Arizona Messier Marathon


                      2002 ALL ARIZONA MESSIER MARATHON
               
                           Site:  Arizona City, AZ
                      
                           Date:  April 13/14, 2002


               Solar Data (all times are MST):
                    April 13:  6:55pm sunset
                               7:55pm moon set
                               8:21pm astronomical twilight

                    April 14:  4:33am astronomical twilight
                               5:58am sun rise
                               7:13am moon rise

Why marathon?

If you decide to participate be sure to read and follow all of this 
information.

First arrive at the site early, don't plan on arriving by sunset.  Give 
yourself time to setup your telescope and for it to reach thermal 
equilibrium.  Also give yourself time to meet old friends and make new 
ones.

If you are not going to stay all night, then park near the entrance so 
you don't disturb others when you depart.  Please give a shout a few 
minutes before leaving and then as you are about to depart.  This will 
give observers time to hide so the light doesn't interfere with night 
vision.

There will be a check off list available at the site to record your 
observations.  Be sure to pick one up, preferably before you start 
marathoning and fill in the top portion so awards can be made.  It is 
important to remember that you must turn in your form to one of the 
Coordinators before leaving the site or by sun rise. We cannot accept any 
after these times.

If you plan on participating, then doing some homework ahead of time will 
pay dividends.  If interested the check off list can be made available 
prior to the marathon for your reference.  Study the list, or use your 
own sequences.  Be prepared for the extremely unlikely case it should 
become cloudy.

Although it is possible to do the marathon with a 4 inch, or smaller 
telescope, it is not suggested, unless you are an experienced observer.

The marathon this year has been scheduled for a somewhat later time than 
normal for several reasons.  First the earlier date in March has 
interference from the moon well after astronomical twilight.  The 
selected date has no interference of this type, is the day after new moon 
and will give marathoners a chance to brush up on the late risers, 
particularly M30!

For the selected date the following will not be available at all; M74, 
M77 and M33.  Only M34 and M76 will only be available in the evening.  
Whereas M39, M31, M32 and M110 will only be available in the morning.  
That leaves an easy 101 objects, or 107 if you really work at it!

Concerned that you can't get a high count?  Don't worry, set your own 
goals and don't be bothered about the high counts.  The important point 
is for you to have a good time and not become frustrated.  This is 
supposed to be a fun time - enjoy it!

You efforts will not go unnoticed as there will be awards in recognition 
of your participation.  People observing 50 or more objects will receive 
an 8 1/2 X 11 certificate.  For first, second and third place there will 
be plaques suitable for mounting on your telescope.  Duplicate awards 
will be made in case of ties.

This event is run on the honor system, there are no referees or umpires.  
We accept all legitimate observations.

We will need your and your clubs support to help purchase the awards for 
its members.

If you don't care to marathon, don't worry - come anyway!  You can do 
your own deep sky or planetary observing or astrophotography.  There's 
always the chance to just relax under a clear dark sky or just socialize 
to your hearts content.

AJ Crayon
Jack Jones
Messier Marathon Coordinators
Saguaro Astronomy Club
saguaroastro.org