Astronomers scan evening sky in search of Messier list Every year, amateur astronomers around the globe participate in the Messier marathon to test their observing abilities. Like athletes of the night sky, endurance, fortitude and astronomical knowledge are prerequisites to participate in this all-night event. The goal of the marathon is to spot as many of the 110 Messier objects as possible. Read more
Sky gazers are set for a week-long celestial treat from Saturday with the start of Messier marathon, an annual astronomy event. The event is named after French astronomer Charles Messier, who compiled a list of 110 relatively bright deep sky objects - galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. The list is known as the Messier Catalogue. During the "Messier marathon" an attempt is made to find as many Messier Objects as possible during one night. Read more