My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of economic theory as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 57 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 51. It looked exactly like whispy tendrils of nebulosity.

After a short break to drink a slurpie, I stumbled upon NGC 2967. It looked uncannily like a cantilever bra.

After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I hunted for NGC 4825. It was not quite as bright as a spider. Then, I added to my logbook IC 1628. It was easy, just like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located B 471. It somewhat resembled cotton on velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I located NGC 5603. It was like a cantilever bra. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out NGC 3829. It looked uncannily like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I studied IC 616. It seemed fainter than yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out B 187. It was as bright as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I helped a beginner find NGC 5251. It looked like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for B 196. It looked exactly like R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted IC 1082. It glowed, rather like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, I tracked down M 68. It appeared to be black pearls on flocked paper. After that, I nudged my telescope to NGC 6986. It was a blurry likeness of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I observed IC 2535. It looked uncannily like Santa Claus. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for M 62 in Septans. It somewhat resembled a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).

After a short break to empty my output buffers, I located NGC 4748 in Serpens. It was a dead ringer for black pearls on flocked paper.

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) .

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