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Messier Marathon-weather is iffy
Saturday, April 15 2023, 7:00pm

Weather is iffy. Messier Marathon. Sponsored by NPMAS. Held at Brillion Nature Center.

Contact Bill Hennessy, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it NPMAS for more info.

Nature Center website: https://www.brillionnaturecenter.net/

Nature Center location on Google Maps, watch for Deerview Road: https://goo.gl/maps/qMm8f4HJduhDpLJS7

This is a free event. No charge.

sunset 7:03pm, CT 7:32pm, NT 8:06pm, AT 8:40pm

sunrise next morning 6:49am, CT 6:30am, NT 5:57am, AT 5:22am

It's time once again to dust off your equipment and get ready for the Messier Marathon! This first
major NPMAS observing event of the year is coming soon. The event is Saturday, March 18 at the
Brillion Nature Center. This is the same venue as the previous years.

The Messier Marathon is a combined social event and observing session. Last year's Marathon
brought back the MM potluck. Despite the less than optimum observing weather, we shared great
food and good company.

The BNC has a beautiful 100 seat room in their facility that is a perfect venue for our event. There is a
kitchen with numerous outlets and a sink, folding chairs and tables, lots of room and a large stone
fireplace. The BNC is giving us the site at no charge in exchange for a NPMAS public observing
event.

The object of this star-party is to try and observe as many of the 110 Messier objects as possible in
one night. For new members, here is a little history for you: Charles Messier was a French astronomer
who hunted comets in the 18th century. During his searches he often was fooled by objects that looked
like comets but were not. He eventually compiled a list of these “false comets” so he and other
astronomers could avoid mistaking them for the real thing in the future.

Not many people think about the comets Charles Messier discovered but his list of rejects is well
known and revered throughout the astronomy world. It contains the best of the best deep-sky objects
to view including the brightest nebula, galaxies, and star-clusters in the night sky. The NPMAS will
provide observing forms for both telescope and binocular observing so you can log your observations.
Certificates will be awarded to everyone who observes 5 or more objects. Even though this is
potentially an all night event you can come and go when you like. Just keep your car headlights off
and use a red flashlight. If you are coming after dark, please use the first parking lot - it is a little
distance away from the buildings and your headlights won’t be as much of a distraction. You can
bring a telescope, binoculars or just yourself and buddy-up with other observers.

The doors will open by 5 PM so get there early to score the best observing spot! This will also give us
plenty of time to set up our scopes before the fun begins after sunset (around 6 pm). This is a potluck
party that lasts throughout the night WHETHER THE SKY IS CLEAR OR CLOUDY. Everyone is
encouraged to bring a dish or dessert to share. It can be anything from crock-pot chili to your favorite
dessert. The club will provide plates, bowls, cups and plastic ware - just bring your own beverages.

All members of the NPMAS and NEWSTAR are invited. The Brillion Nature Center is located at
W1135 Deerview Road, Brillion, WI 54110. It’s a bit off the beaten path: once you turn off of Cty.
PP onto Deerview Road you will travel past a farmer’s yard and continue on a small, winding gravel
road until it dead ends at the nature center. There are several parking areas on the property and plenty
of places to set up telescopes near the buildings. If you have any questions, please give me a call or
text at 920-323-3307, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or contact any club officer.

Please join us for this always-fun event!

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