From March 10-16, 2021, amateur and professional astronomers across the northern hemisphere will collaborate, compete and discover the cosmos. Explore the iconic Messier catalog while inspiring the world’s stargazers to get excited about astronomy.
Sign up here to participate, and help set a record for the world’s largest Messier Marathon
If you have one hour, or one evening, you’ll find a Messier-themed race that’s perfect for you.
The Unistellar Guide to the Messier Marathon is the ultimate travel guide to the ultimate astronomy challenge. Download this free eBook for information on Charles Messier and his catalog; tips for planning a Messier Marathon and attending star parties; information on the 110 Messier objects, with a recommended observing order; various Messier races to consider; and a journal with room for observation plans and notes.
Learn about legendary French astronomer Charles Messier, whose love for comets inspired his catalog of non-comet objects.
Discover the history of this fascinating catalog, which includes 110 deep-sky objects such as nebulae, galaxies and star clusters.
The Messier marathon is not just a test of astronomy skill and fortitude, it’s an exercise in planning and preparedness. Get tips for racing and planning.
Star parties are both social and serene. Keep these general guidelines in mind to be a great guest and snag a repeat invite.
The Ultimate Marathon Partner: Unistellar eVscope eQuinox
The eQuinox is the world’s most powerful partner for astronomy’s most thrilling and challenging tasks.
eVscope eQuinox
Includes:
- Integrated Intelligent Image Processing & Light Pollution Reduction
- Autonomous Field Detection for set-up time under 1 minute
- On-board computer with 35h of observation storage capacity for science missions
- Motorized alt-az mount
- Sturdy tripod with extendable legs and integrated level
- Built-in battery with up to 12 hours battery life
- App with 5.000+ objects catalogue and its future updates – available on iOS and Android systems (min requirement iOS 12 or Android 6, with touchscreen, GPS and Wi-Fi)
- No eyepiece – up to 10 devices can connect at once, for a social observing experience.
- Unistellar Network membership