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Messier Marathon Madness Trivia Quiz

Hi,these questions all pertain to the Messier Marathon. The Messier Marathon is an annual event held in the early spring.It is an attempt to identify all of the objects the French astronomer Messier viewed. Enjoy it, Beterave

A multiple-choice quiz by beterave. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
beterave

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
299,487

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
567

Awards
Top 35% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. How many objects are in the Messier Marathon? Hint

110

117

125

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Question 2 of 10

2. These objects all fall into one specific category. Messier objects are classified as what? Hint

planetary objects

nightly objects

lunar objects

deep sky objects

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Question 3 of 10

3. The Messier Marathon for those living in the northern hemisphere takes place when? Hint

late January to early February

late December to early January

late March to early April

late November to early December

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Question 4 of 10

4. M45 is seen in Taurus. You will not need an optic to see it. M45 is known as what? Hint

the Pleiades

the Pimples

the Hyades

the Beehive

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Question 5 of 10

5. M36,M37,and M38 are all open clusters and can be seen in which constellation? Hint

Gemini

Auriga

Taurus

Orion

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Question 6 of 10

6. The only Messier object seen in the constellation Cetus is a spiral galaxy. It's Messier designation is... Hint

M77

M107

M17

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Question 7 of 10

7. M52,81,82 and 103 are difficult to see. You must live where in order to see them? Hint

north of 0 degrees

south of 0 degrees

south of -25 degrees

north of -25 degrees

8. A planisphere is a yearly chart of the night sky. An essential tool to have in order to find your way around. Besides a telescope and warm clothing, what other piece of equipment will you need? Hint

radio with speakers

cell phone

computer

red beam flashlight

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Question 9 of 10

9. Some objects can be seen well before and after the marathon season. M31 can be easily seen with the unaided eye. It is known as what? Hint

the Ghost of Jupiter

the Helix Nebula

the Andromeda Galaxy

the Owl Nebula

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Question 10 of 10

10. Coma Berenices is a small and faint constellation which contains 8 Messier objects. It can be located where? Hint

between Ursa Major and Lynx

between Leo and Leo Minor

between Leo and Bootes

between Virgo and Leo Minor

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. How many objects are in the Messier Marathon?

Answer: 110

Charles Messier's catalog contains 110 objects. How many you find in the Marathon is the real challenge.

2. These objects all fall into one specific category. Messier objects are classified as what?

Answer: deep sky objects

Nebulae, star clusters,and galaxies all fall in the category of DSO or deep sky objects.

3. The Messier Marathon for those living in the northern hemisphere takes place when?

Answer: late March to early April

The earliest or latest window for this event is late March till early April. All 110 Messier objects should appear in the night sky between dusk till dawn.

4. M45 is seen in Taurus. You will not need an optic to see it. M45 is known as what?

Answer: the Pleiades

The Pleiades also known as the Seven Sisters are easily found without an optical aid in the constellation Taurus.

5. M36,M37,and M38 are all open clusters and can be seen in which constellation?

Answer: Auriga

These are relatively easy to find are usually the first ones found.

6. The only Messier object seen in the constellation Cetus is a spiral galaxy. It's Messier designation is...

Answer: M77

M77 is seen at 02:427 Right Ascension and -00:01 Declination. It is considered a real challenge to find.

7. M52,81,82 and 103 are difficult to see. You must live where in order to see them?

Answer: north of -25 degrees

Messier compiled his list from a northern latitude. In order to see these objects, you must live north of -25 degrees. However, the further south you are, the more likely hills, mountains, and haze on the horizon are to limit your view.

Answer: red beam flashlight

In order to preserve your night vision and to read a planisphere in the dark, you will need a flashlight that has a red beam.

9. Some objects can be seen well before and after the marathon season. M31 can be easily seen with the unaided eye. It is known as what?

Answer: the Andromeda Galaxy

The Andromeda Galaxy is a huge spiral galaxy about 2.5 million light years away. It is very similar in size and nature to our own galaxy.

10. Coma Berenices is a small and faint constellation which contains 8 Messier objects. It can be located where?

Answer: between Leo and Bootes

Coma Berenices contains M53, a star cluster and seven galaxies which include M64,the Black Eye Galaxy.

Source: Author beterave

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor crisw before going online.
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