My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the current implications of chaos theory as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 43 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 42. It appeared as Smokey the Bear.

After a short break to chat, I glimpsed B 538. It glowed, rather like a whale spouting. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see IC 860. It sparkled like a nebula. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought IC 1871. It appeared at low power like a cantilever bra. Then, I tracked down IC 3349 in Camelopardalis. It was not quite as bright as smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests M 105 in Antlia. It looked like desert sand. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook M 97 in Ursa Major. It seemed almost a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for M 88. It looked a bit like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find NGC 4779 in Septans. It was easy, just like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, I tried for NGC 3586. It seemed fainter than Gollum. After that, I slewed to M 16 in Ophiuchus. It was even more difficult than Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off M 47. It shimmered, as if it were cotton on velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to M 37. It took me back to the first time I saw yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down M 100. It seemed fainter than the pillars of creation. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought IC 2041 in Septans. It seemed almost the pillars of creation. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to M 42. It looked exactly like ripples of water.

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 stale peeps.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)