ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 27TH MESSIER MARATHON
Dear astronomy lovers,
Višnjan Astronomical Society and Beskraj Astronomical Society invite you to
27. Messier’s marathon – Višnjan/Tičan, April 6th and 7th, 2024.
Programme:
Saturday, April 6th, 2024.
16:30 – 17:00 – lecture: Korado Korlević “VONEOF – Visnjan Observatory NEO Follow-up”
17:10 – 17:40 – lecture: Stefano Schirinzi “Detection of Relevant Intrinsic Details in Hi-res Astrophotography for some of the Messier Catalogue’s Objects”
17:50 – 18:20 – lecture: Damir Šegon “Global Meter Network – Current Status and Updates”
18:30 – Registration of participants and preparations for the marathon
19:30 – Official start of the Messier Marathon
Sunday, April 7th, 2024.
00:30 – Night meal at the Višnjan Observatory, Tičan
05:30 – End of the Marathon
06:00 – Going to sleep
13:00 – Lunch and award ceremony at Pizzeria Vicinius, Višnjan
15:00 – Group photo and farewell
Basic information about the marathon:
Competitors gather from 6:30 p.m. in the meadow east of the Višnjan Observatory in Tičan. The competition starts at 7:30 p.m. and lasts until 5:30 a.m., or according to the judge’s decision on temporary interruption and/or earlier completion in the event of a change in weather conditions. Each competition team consists of two competitors: the main competitor and an assistant who report the found objects to the judge.
What to bring and how to prepare:
The competition will take place on a grassy meadow. Please note that the terrain may be wet, so we recommend taking with you a working PVC film on which the equipment and observer will be placed. The terrain is quite open and it is necessary to follow the wind forecast. In the event of a strong wind, please take care about wind protection for yourself and the telescope. It is not allowed to park your car on the grass where the competition will take place! Please prepare your equipment in advance and leave your car on the parking lot! In case of need, local organization committee will help you bring your equipment on the location. Please do not hesitate to contact the organisers on +385 91 449 1788 or via email: info@astro.hr
For competitors who have had no experience so far:
It would be desirable to study the available literature – manuals are on the Internet: The Observing Guide to the Messier Marathon A Handbook, Deep Sky Companions The Messier Objects, Deep-Sky Companions Hidden Treasures
Accommodation
All participants will be accommodated in multi-bed rooms, in the dormitory building in Višnjan. Bed sheets and blankets will be provided.
Registration fee
Full registration fee is 20.00 euros and includes: night meal, Sunday lunch at Pizzeria Vicinius, accommodation in the dormitory Visnjan and awards/recognitions for the winner and competitors. The basic registration fee of EUR 10.00 cannot be reduced and does not include Sunday lunch. The registration fee is paid upon registration, on the day of the marathon. Judges are exempt from payment.
IMPORTANT: For the sake of organization and preparation, please send the personal data of each individual participant via the following link: Messier Marathon 2024 Registration