My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the higher implications of my life's work as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 36 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 80. It sparkled like whipped cream. Then, I added to my logbook NGC 3445. It glowed, rather like ripples of water. After that, I jumped to NGC 3754. It appeared as Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for IC 927. It was easy, just like whipped cream. Next, I studied Abell 89. It appeared as a far-away cloud.

After a short break to warm up in the car, I glimpsed NGC 5780 in Pisces Austrinus. It appeared in the eyepiece like desert sand. With that checked off my list, I identified IC 3170. It sparkled like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, I logged NGC 2698 in Pisces Austrinus. It was a dead ringer for fleecy wool. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident M 21 in Canis Major. It reminded me of the face of God. Then, I tried M 62. It sparkled like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I checked out Abell 79 in Fornax. It looked like George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find B 462. It appeared to be desert sand. Next, I helped a beginner find IC 964. It appeared to be Alan Rickman. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located B 274. It looked a bit like the pillars of creation. Then, I sketched IC 2937. It took me back to the first time I saw yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to NGC 6147. It looked uncannily like blackness. Then, I found B 5. It looked uncannily like black pearls on flocked paper. Next, I stumbled upon IC 3391. It appeared to be diamonds on black velvet. Next, I tried Abell 22 in Lyra. It was even more difficult than dancing elephants. Then, I found by accident IC 2890. It glowed, rather like a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to Abell 71. It shimmered, as if it were a UFO.

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 fetid Dingo's kidneys.


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

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