[sac-forum] Notes on "Why A Messier Marathon" by Wally Brown

Here is a piece by (the late) Wally Brown from the April 1981 SAC Deep Sky Group Messier Marathon booklet, entitled, 

"About a  Marathon"
Why a Messier Marathon? It doesn't add greatly to knowledge of the skies, contemplation and enjoyment of the objects viewed -- the pace is generally too fast for that. It has minimal social value -- a lesser but commonly appreciated feature of regular star parties -- because you're too busy to socialize for the most part. It's not the most practical avenue to regular awards (as the SAC Deepsky Group Certificate of 75 and 110 plaque) -- you need detailed observation records for those and that's difficult (but not impossible) in a Marathon mode.
A Messier Marathon, however, is a fine workout of equipment and technique that hones skills for beginner and pro alike. It is a challenge to those skills that strikes many as irresistible. The achievement of successfully meeting that challenge has not only personal satisfaction as its reward, but increased confidence as well. We sincerely hope such increased confidence will spur increased activity and achievement for all Marathoners in the year[s] ahead. And that, perhaps, is the ultimate answer to the question with which we began. 
Wally Brown -- April 1981.
Well and truly stated, Wally, and sufficient enough reason to continue the tradition (26 years later)! 

Gene Lucas
(17250)

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