During each Spring Equinox, amateur astronomers around the world get together in a race to observe as many of the Messier sky objects as they can in what's called the "Messier Marathon." I've only managed to do it once during a star party in Wisconin, but - dangit! - I want to do it again! Look how cool a photo came out of it this year. This is a time-exposure of the night sky, revealing "star trails," the light-paths left by stars as they traverse the sky:

Click the image to see the story.
The photo above was taken by Iranian astronomer Amir Hossein Abolfath during a star party at the ancient royal Bahram Palace. Below is another space-y shot of Iran, at Perseopolis:

Click the image to learn about Iranian amateur astronomy.
If you've never been to a star party - specifically, a Messier Marathon, and an Iranian one in particular - check out this really cool time-lapse video of the event (2 MB Windows video file).
Here's hoping for clear skies next year. I'll organize the event for Lawrence.
Best,
Chris

Click the image to see the story.
The photo above was taken by Iranian astronomer Amir Hossein Abolfath during a star party at the ancient royal Bahram Palace. Below is another space-y shot of Iran, at Perseopolis:

Click the image to learn about Iranian amateur astronomy.
If you've never been to a star party - specifically, a Messier Marathon, and an Iranian one in particular - check out this really cool time-lapse video of the event (2 MB Windows video file).
Here's hoping for clear skies next year. I'll organize the event for Lawrence.
Best,
Chris
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