My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the insignificance of the energy crisis as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. 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 12 in Canes Venatici. It glowed, rather like the eye of God.

After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I had a chance to see B 396 in Lynx. It reminded me of black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I checked out B 42. It was not quite as bright as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.

After a short break to have a smoke, I showed some guests Abell 97. It sparkled like Gollum.

After a short break to check my email, I slewed to NGC 3280 in Sculptor. It took me back to the first time I saw fleecy wool. After that, I nudged my telescope to B 226 in Perseus. It seemed most like a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted M 67. It sparkled like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to Abell 49 in Septans. It was easy, just like the face of God.

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 reading Beowulf in Old English.


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

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