My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of Norse mythology as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 31 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 4. It appeared at low power like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located NGC 1395. It was as bright as lumpy darkness. After that, I located B 149. It was a dead ringer for Alan Rickman. Next, I glimpsed B 515. It was easy, just like a smoke ring. After that, I found by accident B 308. It took me back to the first time I saw two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for Abell 68 in Pisces Austrinus. It gave the appearance of spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I hunted for NGC 1240. It shimmered, as if it were a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After that, I studied M 87 in Corvus. It glowed, rather like dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I looked at Abell 82 in Septans. It compared favorably with yet another globular.

After a short break to empty my output buffers, I checked off M 109 in Septans. It compared favorably with cotton candy. Then, I identified IC 1238. It was easy, just like the eternal nothingness of being. Then, for a real challenge, I located Abell 66 in Ursa Minor. It was better than the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After that, I went for Abell 47. It reminded me of the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried M 60. It was even more difficult than the eternal nothingness of being.

After a short break to chat, I slewed to Abell 91 in Lyra. It reminded me of a far-away cloud. After that, I helped a beginner find M 31. It compared favorably with one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After that, I had a chance to see B 196 in Lynx. It seemed almost the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I located NGC 1066. It somewhat resembled the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. With that checked off my list, I jumped to NGC 2203. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud. With that checked off my list, I observed IC 3497. It reminded me of lumpy darkness. Then, I sought NGC 6454. It would be easy to confuse with dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I located M 84. It appeared as two scoops of spumoni ice cream.

Finally, it was time to pack up and leave. As I drove home, I contemplated the events of the night, and realized that any night out under the sky with good friends is better than hunting with the Vice President.


    ...Akkana (with help from David North, Jane Houston Jones, and Bill Arnett) .

(Don't forget to hit reload.)