My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the study of AP Refractors 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 26 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 55 in Scorpius. It looked exactly like Santa Claus. Then, I hunted for IC 1713. It was even more difficult than nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for NGC 1630. It compared favorably with the eye of God. Then, I showed some guests M 42. It looked like a spider. After that, I accidentally located IC 1947. It somewhat resembled dancing elephants. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed B 578. It seemed fainter than a cantilever bra. Next, I helped a beginner find IC 3912. It was a blurry likeness of a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I looked for and suspected IC 661. It was not quite as bright as Gollum. Next, I stumbled upon B 581. It was as bright as a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for IC 363. It seemed fainter than one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted IC 2740 in Canis Major. It appeared as Santa Claus.

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 sex.


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

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