It’s been six months since astronomy golf equipment across the globe hosted occasions for the Messier marathon. The aim of this single-night observing problem is to catch all 109 deep-sky objects in French comet-hunter Charles Messier’s well-known catalog.
As a result of means these celestial gems are positioned within the sky, there may be solely a short span from mid-March to early April when all of the objects are seen over the course of a single night time. However even in the event you missed the final full marathon expertise, you may preserve your observational muscle groups in form by giving this mini-marathon a strive.
Within the spirit of my mini-Messier marathons for spring (April 2021 challenge) and summer season (August 2021 challenge), right here is your agenda for autumn. And, in contrast to taking part in a full Messier marathon, you gained’t have to remain up all night time for this one; you may view all 20 of those objects between the time it will get darkish and midnight.
I’ve listed the objects so as of right ascension, which implies the primary might be farthest west and the next objects will set so as after it, supplying you with extra time to watch every.
In 2022, the Moon is New on Sept. 25 and Oct. 25. So, your first observing window runs from round Sept. 18 to Sept. 27. Beginning Sept. 28, stray moonlight will intrude together with your search till Final Quarter, which happens on Oct. 17. Then the sky will keep Moon-free till previous midnight for one more week, marking your second observing window. Be sure you let your scope cool to the ambient temperature, take your time with every object, and have enjoyable!
