Weather permitting SLAS will be hosting Messier Marathons at SPOC tonight, tomorrow night and next weekend. The weather looks much better for tonight than tomorrow. There will be training going on with the Grim early on but instructor Mark Bloomenthal told me folks will be welcome to look through the scope even during training. The scope's 80cm (32") primary mirror has just been cleaned so views should be even better than before. I'll have the refractor open tonight and Mark thinks others will have the Ealing open. Several portable scopes are expected to be set up on the grounds. At least three people have said they're bringing tents and plan on staying all night. Note that this is a private event for SLAS members and invited guests (which means if you're not a SLAS member email me and I'll invite you... <g>). patrick