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This short slide show demonstrates how easy it is to plan and log deep-sky observations - the Messier Marathon

These slides demonstrate planning for a Messier Marathon (northern hemisphere, Eastern Daylight Time) and logging the observations.

First, identify a good night near the vernal equinox - usually a weekend with a lot of astronomical darkness time.  The Graphical Darkness Report provides this information quickly.

Second, use the Advanced Deep-Sky Report to search the Messier catalog for all objects above the horizon during the intended Marathon - 8:30 pm to 6:00 am on the evening of Mar 16 - 17.  Sort these results by the best time to view - this gives highest priority in the early evening to objects setting in the west, and the last priority in the morning to objects rising in the east.

Third, log each observation as you work through the report.  A right click on an object in the report allows you to add an observation of it.  The Observation Editor retains your session and equipment information so that you don't need to re-enter these with each observation.

Get the coffee or tea - it'll be a long night!