2027 Texas Messier Marathon
Fort McKavett State Historic Site — March 5–9, 2027
Bortle 2–3 skies. Full Messier catalog possible under a New Moon window.
Schedule
| Day | Date | Activity |
| Friday | March 5 | Arrival & informal gathering |
| Saturday | March 6 | Public Outreach Night |
| Sunday | March 7 | Main Messier Marathon Night |
| Mon-Tue | March 8-9 | Optional continued observing / pack-up |
What to Expect
- Telescopes on the historic parade ground
- Barracks and Camping options
- Excellent Southern & Western horizons for the harder Messier objects
- A focused, independent event open to clubs in the Southwest Region of the Astronomical League
When Is the Texas Messier Marathon?
The Texas Messier Marathon gathering runs from Friday, March 5 through Tuesday, March 9, 2027, giving observers several nights to enjoy the dark skies around Fort McKavett.
If you are attempting a true Messier Marathon, however, the challenge is completed in a single night. Participants are free to choose any suitable night during the gathering for their marathon attempt. The one exception is Saturday, March 6. That evening is reserved for Fort McKavett’s Spring Star Party, where TMM participants serve as astronomy volunteers and share the night sky with the public.
Why Sunday, March 7?
Sunday night is the recommended night for the traditional Marathon attempt because it falls immediately before the New Moon on March 8, providing the darkest possible skies during the event.
That does not make Sunday the only Marathon night. Weather, equipment, personal schedules, and observing conditions may make another night a better choice for an individual observer. The choice is yours: attempt the Marathon on another night, observe over several nights, or simply enjoy the dark skies of Fort McKavett.’
Registration
Opens later in 2026 — details will be posted here. Join the mailing list on the Contact page to be notified when it opens.