My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the morality of chaos theory 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 16 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 82 in Gemini. It was even more difficult than a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon B 157 in Scutum. It somewhat resembled a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted Abell 84 in Perseus. It reminded me of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to Abell 19. It shimmered, as if it were two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for M 107. It reminded me of one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to B 477. It would be easy to confuse with a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, for a real challenge, I studied NGC 4080. It compared favorably with Gollum. Next, I jumped to B 221 in Canis Major. It glowed, rather like desert sand. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried Abell 4. It looked exactly like one of Martha Stewart's doilies.

After a short break to converse with an owl, I showed some guests IC 2233 in Triangulum. It compared favorably with a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to M 72 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It appeared to be the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I went for Abell 89. It was as bright as Gollum.

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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