March 2026 Messier Marathon

Join the Vaonis community challenge and take on the Messier Marathon together: let’s complete all 110 Messier objects by March 31.

Throughout March, the Vaonis team will update the Messier catalog with the best images shared by the community on this page.

FAQ

What is the Messier Catalog?

The Messier Catalog is a collection of 110 remarkable deep-sky objects, including nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. Compiled in the 18th century by Charles Messier, it has become one of astronomy’s most iconic observing lists.

What is the Messier Marathon?

Traditionally held in March, the Messier Marathon is an observing challenge in which participants attempt to observe all 110 Messier objects in a single night, from dusk to dawn. At Vaonis, we’ve adapted it into a collaborative month-long challenge, where the community works together to complete the entire catalog with their Vaonis instruments.

Example of a Messier catalog completed by Myla L. (USA) with her Stellina and Vespera smart telescopes