My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of the universe 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 39 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 69. It looked exactly like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I found Abell 59. It looked a bit like Miss Piggy. After that, I had a chance to see B 148 in Lepus. It was a blurry likeness of the invisible man. Next, I looked at B 353 in Orion. It appeared in the eyepiece like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for B 61. It looked a bit like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I found IC 3040. It looked uncannily like desert sand. With that checked off my list, I sought B 613 in Serpens. It looked like spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, I located B 111. It looked exactly like yet another globular. Next, I looked for and suspected M 60. It appeared to be a smoke ring. After that, I logged B 62. It would be easy to confuse with the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I sought B 100 in Draco. It seemed fainter than a little triangle. After that, I checked out B 383 in Draco. It seemed fainter than spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I looked at Abell 2. It was like dancing elephants. Next, I looked at M 11 in Scutum. It seemed just like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I logged NGC 169. It seemed just like a swarm of bees.

After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I tracked down B 74. It glowed, rather like diamonds on light grey velvet.

After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I added to my logbook Abell 95. It seemed fainter than a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to NGC 5607. It was like cotton candy. After that, I sought M 9. It sparkled like R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to Abell 28. It compared favorably with a little triangle.

After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I observed IC 2329 in Antlia. It glowed, rather like cream being swirled into hot coffee.

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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