My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the deep impact of the energy crisis as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 53 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 20. It sparkled like the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified B 521. It was even more difficult than black pearls on flocked paper.

After a short break to empty my output buffers, I observed NGC 6746 in Virgo. It seemed almost Demi Moore. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down NGC 5023. It appeared at low power like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I tracked down NGC 3341. It was a blurry likeness of its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon M 77. It glowed, rather like a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to M 62 in Lynx. It was a blurry likeness of dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for IC 1646 in Gemini. It appeared in the eyepiece like ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for Abell 87. It was like a cantilever bra. Next, I found by accident IC 390. It looked uncannily like a spitting cobra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for NGC 4925. It was easy, just like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find B 353 in Lyra. It seemed fainter than diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I went for NGC 2116. It reminded me of desert sand.

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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