1999 EAST COAST STAR PARTY^ÒS MESSIER MARATHON

DATE: MARCH 12 & 13 (RAIN DATE MARCH 19 &20)

LOCATION: HAMPTON LODGE CAMPGROUND - COINJOCK, NC (252-453-2732)

SITE: BEHIND THE GROVE OF CEDAR TREES
(PLEASE NOTE THIS IS DIFFERENT LOCATION THAN OUR USUAL OBSERVING SPOT)
FOLLOW THE SIGNS TO THE NEW OBSERVING LOCATION 

CAMPING OVERNIGHT:   REGISTER AT STORE BEFORE SETTING UP  
OVERNIGHT CAMPING FEES AT HAMPTON LODGE:
 $10/NIGHT FOR PITCHING A TENT IN THE OBSERVING AREA (STARGAZER^ÒS DISCOUNT)
$15/NIGHT FOR A TENT IN THE REGULAR TENT AREA
$18/NIGHT W/ELECTRICITY IN THE REGULAR TENT AREA
(NOTE: THE REGULAR TENT AREAS ARE A GOOD DISTANCE FROM THE OBSERVING AREA)

REGISTRATION FEE: NONE, ONLY A DONATION FOR FOOD AND ORGANIZING EXPENSES

ITINERARY
FRIDAY:
REGISTRATION: BEGINS AT 12:00 NOON
6:00 CASUAL STARGAZING BEGINS

SATURDAY:
REGISTRATION: BEGINS AT 10:00AM
4:00PM COOKOUT AT KENT BLACKWELL^ÒS TRAILER LOT #29
(KENT WILL SUPPLY HAMBURGERS, HOT DOGS, SOFT DRINKS - YOU MAY BRING A DISH
IF YOU WISH)
6:00PM MESSIER MARATHON BEGINS
 
Each March it becomes possible to view all the Messier objects in one
evening.  Though not an easy task, it can be quite rewarding to beginners,
as well as to advanced amateur astronomers.  Even if you^Òve seen all the
Messier objects, who can honestly say they don^Òt want a second glimpse, or
a third and a forth as far as that^Òs concerned?

Ideally, the date should fall around the 15th of the month, and a location
should be chosen with a full horizon-to-horizon view.  This year I have
secured a large parcel of land behind our usual observing location.  Just
follow the signs.  From this new vantage point you should be able to see
all the Messier objects from sunset to sunrise.  

Of course, if you^Òd rather just stargaze, and not track down the Messier
objects you may do so.  You are welcome to stay all night, or just a few
hours;   it^Òs up to you.   If you should choose not to camp  overnight you
must leave promptly before the gate closing time of 12:00 midnight.  Please
note I have made special discount arrangements if you camp in the observing
area.  Be sure and notify the personnel in the campground office you are
with the stargazing group when you register.

Let^Òs hope for clear skies.  Please call Kent Blackwell (757-495-4663),
rather than Hampton Lodge Campground  to confirm a day or so before the
event.

Hope to see you there.  Let^Òs make this year the most successful Messier
Marathon of all.

Kent Blackwell
495-4663
kent at exis.net