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The Ford Amateur
Astronomy Club will again be hosting their annual expo and swap.
It is held at the Holy Cross Church Gymnasium, 30650 Six Mile,
Livonia, Mich. There will be speakers, demonstrations, vendors,
and food. It's a great time to spend a winter day looking for
astronomical items to purchase and/or sell. Admission is $5.00 at
the door.
Seven Ponds
Astronomy Club is hosting a multi-club Messier Marathon. The
Warren Astronomical Society, Ford Amateur Astronomy Club, and the
Oakland Astronomy Club will be joining Seven Ponds in this most
unique event. A good definition of a Messier Marathon is "an
attempt, usually organized by amateur astronomers, to find as
many Messier objects as possible during one night". The
Messier catalog of objects, generally considered to be the best
deep-sky objects, was compiled by a late 18th century French
astronomer, Charles Messier. The objects consist of galaxies,
nebulae, and star clusters. At mid-northern latitudes, such as
the location of Seven Ponds Nature Center, it is possible to
observe all Messier objects in one night during a few weeks from
mid-March to early April.
Typically, an observer attempting a Messier marathon begins
observing at sundown and will observe through the night until
sunrise in order to see all 110 objects. An observer starts with
objects low in the western sky at sunset, hoping to view them
before they dip out of view, then works eastward across the sky.
By sunrise, the successful observer will be observing the last
few objects low on the eastern horizon, hoping to see them before
the sky becomes too bright due to the rising Sun. The evening can
be a test of stamina and willpower depending on weather
conditions and the physical fitness of the observer. For those
that are successful, it is quite an accomplishment. Not many
amateurs ever succeed in observing the complete list of objects.
It is truly a "marathon event".
Some might think "why would you do something like
this"? The best response that I tell people asking this
question is - it will make you a better observer. You have to
work at locating these objects. The experience you get by doing
this will enhance your future observing activities. In addition,
a marathon provides for a wonderful time sharing your progress
with other observers. A group marathon makes for an enjoyable
experience. I will be trying again to achieve logging all the
objects. I have come close before, but with no success - due to
cloudcover during the last stages of the event. It was
disappointing to be so close and yet not get all the objects.
However, marathons have been some of my most memorable observing
experiences. We are hoping for a nice clear night for our event.
Tonight is a
general observing night. There is a possibility for a speaker -
TBD.
Seven Ponds
Astronomy Club will again be participating in a evening of
astronomical activities at Metro Beach, on Lake St. Clair in
Harrison Township, Michigan. Our club participated in this fine
event in 2009, and we are delighted that we were asked back. This
program is provided by the Metro Beach Nature Center, in
conjunction with other local astronomy clubs (Great Lakes
Association of Astronomy Clubs), of which Seven Ponds Astronomy
Club is a member. Click here for the flyer with additional
detail.
Tonight is a
general observing night. There is a possibility for a speaker -
TBD.
If you have any questions relating
to astronomy, please contact me at 248-969-2790, or via e-mail at
jelines@yahoo.com.
John Lines