Messier Marathon, 2009

The 2009 Messier Marathon at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station took place on the night of March 27^th.  The night began a little cloudier than desired, but with an enthusiastic bunch of 15 volunteers and 4 staff members.  When the Most Dedicated and Hoku Alua Volunteer of 2008, Clifford Livermore, unveiled the mirror on his 24-inch Dobsonian, he was amazed to see a friendly Hawaiian gecko walking in the middle of his primary mirror. Public attendance was good for the end of spring break with approximately 65 people at the start of the night.  By the time we normally close shop we had lost most of the public and seven volunteers and two staff retired to Hilo and/or bed.  However, the remaining ten, Andrew Cooper, Deb Cooper, Clifford Livermore, Joe Hannan, Ricky Ormiston, Frosty Hughes, Dayana Cardoso, Njugu Gachigu, Nathan Secrest and Callie McNew, were able to brave the cold and sleepless night for their chance to observe as many Messier Objects as possible.  In the middle of the night the clouds broke into a beautiful display of the Milky Way and the Summer Sky.  Andrew and Deb Cooper were able to share with us 104 of the 110 Messier Objects.  Clifford Livermore and Joe Hannan glided from object to object, but were unable to get a final count.  It was an excellent time for all involved as we experienced the VIS in a different, meaningful way.