My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the inner workings of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 49 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 91. It looked a bit like a UFO. After that, I hunted for M 44. It took me back to the first time I saw a nebula. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed NGC 6501. It seemed just like the invisible man.

After a short break to have a smoke, I tried for B 452. It would be easy to confuse with a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched M 72 in Virgo. It was even more difficult than cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see M 22. It was a dead ringer for Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for B 497 in Canis Major. It seemed almost Alan Rickman. Next, I helped a beginner find M 87. It seemed fainter than one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for M 67 in Lepus. It was as bright as an inflamed monkey butt. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off B 127. It somewhat resembled one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, I went for B 198. It was easy, just like fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to M 55. It looked uncannily like diamonds on light grey velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located B 162 in the western sky. It seemed just like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out B 236. It was a dead ringer for the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed M 72. It gave the appearance of ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for NGC 1133. It appeared at low power like Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at NGC 2757. It shimmered, as if it were a nebula. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off M 61. It was as bright as a cantilever bra. Then, I tried IC 3473. It was not quite as bright as fleecy wool.

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 getting shot in the face by Dick Cheney.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)