My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the deep impact of world hunger as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 13 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 88. It looked a bit like diamonds on black velvet. After that, I glimpsed Abell 96. It looked like a glimmer of the Big Bang. After that, I helped a beginner find M 73. It seemed just like nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests Abell 18. It appeared as an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at M 58. It seemed almost ripples of water. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located NGC 5073 in Lynx. It seemed just like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at Abell 92 in Antlia. It shimmered, as if it were a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, I sought Abell 76. It reminded me of spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I helped a beginner find IC 3732. It shimmered, as if it were an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon IC 1855. It reminded me of a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied Abell 73. It was a blurry likeness of Miss Piggy. After that, I studied Abell 67. It appeared as smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After that, I showed some guests M 99. It was like cotton candy.

After a short break to empty my output buffers, I sought NGC 6186 in the western sky. It compared favorably with an inflamed monkey butt. After that, I accidentally located M 92. It was easy, just like Smokey the Bear. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched M 88. It was like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for Abell 15. It was easy, just like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, I identified M 11 in Lynx. It was like Smokey the Bear.

After a short break to chat, I found Abell 7. It appeared at low power like dancing elephants.

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 cleaning the bathroom.


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

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