Messier Marathon: Good Astronomy!

By Judy Schroeder

One great way to start the viewing season is by attending the Messier Marathon at the Kah-Nee-Ta Resort in Warm Springs. The nice folks of the Rose City Astronomers arrange this viewing opportunity every year: this year it will be March 15-17, 2002 (the new moon weekend). This two-night event offers clear Central Oregon skies, lots of like-minded folks to talk with about astronomy, good accommodations, and fun activities for the family.

There’s nothing like ending a long evening of viewing by coming back to a roaring fire in the lounge, a hot shower in your room and falling into a comfortable bed. The rest of the year, astronomy outings will be much less deluxe for most of us-camping, porta-potties and sleeping bags!

Book your room directly with Kah-Nee-Ta Resort, Warm Springs, OR. Call 1-800-554-4786, and ask for the RCA special rate (half price). $70 night single/double, $14 per extra person up to 4 (That’s $25 per night apiece!) Children under 14 are free in same room as parents. Rooms have television, VCR, radio, coffee maker, hair dryer and comfortable beds. The restaurant has a first-class chef. There’s a heated pool, spa, bicycle and hiking paths, and a golf course. More eating places are in Warm Springs, 14 miles away, plus a truly outstanding museum featuring stories and artifacts about the Confederated Tribes.

Saturday night RCA hosts a dinner for all interested participants. This year it will be roast chicken ($21) with chicken strips and fries for kids 10 and under ($10). To sign up, send your names and a check to: Carol Huston, 19360 SW Hennig St., Aloha, OR 97006 by March 8.

Check out the Marathon Website at: http://www.rca-omsi.org/messier.htm or the Kah-Nee-Ta Website: http://www.kah-nee-taresort.com.