A GROUP of local stargazers is busy putting the finishing touches to a marathon bid with a difference.

Armed with sophisticated telescopes, bags of enthusiasm and plenty of hot drinks, the Basingstoke Astronomical Society is planning an all-night party on March 12 in an attempt to complete the Messier Marathon.

The event will see the organisation try to identify up to 110 different objects - catalogued by French astronomer Charles Messier - in one night.

Messier is famously known within astronomical circles for his celebrated list of objects, including supernova remnants, star clusters and galaxies, which he drew up during the 18th century to avoid confusion when searching for comets.

Although this will be the society's first marathon, members are refusing to let nerves get the better of them and are relishing getting stuck into what is set to be an out-of-this-world experience.

Society chairman John Stapleton said: "We are all amateur astronomers, so this is a really exciting feat for us to undertake.

"Everybody who takes part will get the opportunity to view all of the objects we find, and afterwards we will record them in a detailed catalogue to look back on in years to come."

The society chose March 12 for its attempt as it is believed to be the best time of year to bag the maximum number of objects, due to the positions of the sun and moon. It will take place, depending on weather conditions, in a field at Cliddesden Primary School, where the group meets every month.

"Most successful marathons are completed in southern France, where the altitude is better for spotting the faintest objects. I am not aware of anyone who has spotted all 110 objects from Britain," said Mr Stapleton.

"Obviously, we would love to see all of them but, as this is our first marathon, to find 95 or 100 objects would be an amazing achievement.

"My own personal target is to see M30, a globular cluster in Capricorn. It has been described as almost impossible to see, so I'd love to set my eyes on that one."

For further information, contact Mr Stapleton on 01420 568130.

First published: Monday, March 7