Then Joseph astounded us by announcing that John Dobson would be the speaker at March's meeting. He also reported that more than fifty people have signed up for the solar eclipse trip to Hungary. Still, some 50 Messier objects were observed, including the first four that are very difficult to see from Massachusetts light polluted skies in February. Messier Marathon observing will continue at the clubhouse on Friday, March 12th and Saturday, March 13th. Red light only conditions will let us try again for all 110 objects.
Observers begin at dusk and many work until dawn.
If you come to the clubhouse to observe through the marathoner's telescopes, please be mindful that each observer has a very tight schedule of observations. There are very few breaks in the action to allow for casual observing. Of course it gets VERY cold in March, so dress warmly, bring a scope and some charts and some munchies to keep you going. Don't forget the coffee or hot chocolate and maybe a shovel and join us for part or all night observing. Please see the Star Parties page for an up to date listing.