Member's Night Messier Marathon Saturday Mar 21st 6:00pm

Members Night/Messier Marathon @ Observatory     

Saturday Mar 21, 2026   Gates Open at 6:00 PM to set up 

Always check our website for updates before heading out 

Try to arrive by before sunset so not to disturb folks already starting to capture Messier objects.  See link to a direction map below   

Sunset is at 7:38 PM and it gets dark quickly.  Although the daytime temperatures may be warm, the temperatures can become quite chilly as the night progresses into the wee hours of the night.  So be sure to bring along a warm coat, cap and even gloves are essential to help you enjoy the evening. A reclining lawn chair and blanket would be a nice addition as well.  Of course the observatory classroom will be a nice spot to warm up a bit and visit with friends. 

This is a special members event coinciding with the Messier Marathon. The goal of the evening is to locate as many of the 110 M objects compiled by French astronomer Charles Messier in the late 1700's.  Visible in smaller or moderate sized telescopes, the deep sky objects of the Messier Catalogue of star clusters, nebula and galaxies are popular viewing targets.   Members are also welcome to just come and do some casual observing if they choose not to try the Messier Marathon. 

 This event will run all night until sunrise, with members being asked to bring a pot-luck style dish/desert/snack to share. The club will provide drinks/coffee/hot chocolate also.  Page 10 of our March 2026 Newsletter  has links to charts of the Messier objects and the Sequence you should be observing them.  Starting with the early evening objects that set quickly and working your way across the toward the ones rising in the east. 

Some tips for a successful Messier Marathon quest.  

1. Bring your telescope with a variety of eyepieces.  Several objects can be seen with binoculars.

      Battery Power Supply for your scope and charging cords.  We do have a limited number of extension cords.

2. Bring some detailed Star charts of a good Astronomy app.

3. Print out the Sequenced Log Sheet to check off your progress.

      The log sheet is arranged in the order you need to search for objects.

       Starting with the ones that set soon after sunset.  

4.  Some Pencils and a hard surface clip board to write on.  ( Pens don't work well if its cold or damp )

5.  Comfortable Lawn chair, Warm Jacket and Cap as temperatures drop.

6.  Snacks and Drinks to keep your energy up.  

We try to reserve Observatory nights nearest the New Moon for our members.  This allows our members to work on their various observing projects, do some astrophotography, share ideas and help each other with their goals. Members may bring your own telescope or enjoy viewing with some of our members.  If you are a new telescope owner ask some of our experienced observers for tips how to get more out of your observing experience. You can bring along family or a friend if they want to observe with you.   You'll likely want to bring along a snack and drink and enjoy visiting in our classroom.  

PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR CHANGES DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS    

Event may be cancelled for clouds or our other weather related hazards or extreme cold. Check your email, FB page, and our website before heading out.

As a member you may bring family members or a friend that wants to observe with you but not large groups. Please keep minor family members within your observing area with a supervising adult.

To develop your observing skills, you may want to consider trying to earn one of the over 40 well designed observing certificates from the Astronomical League. Check out some of their Observing Programs

If you are not currently a member you may try one of our RSVP guest nights or you can easily join. Simply go to the JOIN section on our website. Submit the forms online or mail in your membership dues. Click here to Join our Club If you like you may can print off your application or image it as proof of your new membership but we will welcome you without it.
 

Location

ACT OBSERVATORY directions -  Follow our map directions  DO NOT USE GPS

MOSTLY PAVED ROADS – Hwy 75 to 201st St S – through Mounds OK

Most DIRECT ROUTE – Hwy 75 to 241st St S – some coarse gravel & dirt roads