Messier Marathon

Recently, we attempted the Messier marathon at the observatory. It was my first time hearing this term, and goal is to find as many of the 110 galaxies, nebulae and star clusters as possible during one night. Charles Messier was a Friend astronomer who cataloged these objects referenced by their Messier numbers. Taking astronomy photos on this night was a new experience for me and it combined two things I love, astronomy and photography.

A funny part about the Messier Catalog itself is that it was created as a way to label objects that were not comets, which is what he was hunting for in the night sky.

When I arrived, it was slightly before dusk and there was enough light to assemble my Seestar S50 on a tripod and my Pixel 6 on another. A few planets were visible already but the goal was to take 3-5 minute exposures of the deep sky objects that frustrated Charlie. 

It was my first time using the Seestar for an extended period of time and so some of this evening was spent experimenting but once I understood the basics, it was show time. I didn't have the list, it was led by another member and the rest of us with less experience followed their lead. Here are some of the photos I was able to put together, all have been edited. 

I have no idea how to edit astronomy photos, I barely know how to take them but I am proud of the results despite the faults I see. Overall the night was not only a success but I enjoyed myself hanging with people who were having fun with the same hobby as myself.