Spring is almost here--although you can't tell by the photo on page 6!  Get that scope out and bring it out to the observatory for the Messier Marathon!

March Meeting is at Tarleton State in Stephenville--give yourself an hour to get there.

February Meeting Features Overview of Tarleton State Science Program

February's program was a great talk by Dr. Michael Hibbs, who teaches astronomy at Tarleton State in Stephenville.  A long time member and friend of FWAS, Michael is also the Planetarium Director at Tarleton.  The university has recently been awarded a $500K grant, which will be used to develop a 24 inch robotic telescope with remote operation capability. 

A site has been selected, and planning is in progress.  The university plans to work with other universities around the globe to share observing time so that students can make real time observations even when they are in local daylight.  A significant objective of the program is outreach, including high schools and even FWAS members!

Toward these ends, they are looking for volunteer mentors. 

(Continued on page 4)

Messier Marathon Time!

Dust those winter cobwebs off your telescopes, it is time for the spring Messier Marathon! This year, we have two possible Saturdays in March. The primary viewing night to see all the Messier objects is March 29th. The secondary viewing night is March 8th.

What a great opportunity! You can use the secondary night to train/warm up for the primary night that comes 3 weeks later.

There is no pressure to see all the objects. You set your own goals. If you cannot "pull an all nighter," how many can you see before midnight? Be at the club site before dark to set up. Things start quickly after dark. A suggested order of sightings will be supplied.

Good luck and good hunting,
Your Messier Marathon Committee

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