My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the insignificance of the internet as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 1 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 36 in Ursa Major. It somewhat resembled a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out IC 833. It somewhat resembled the last six objects I'd seen. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted Abell 53 in Lynx. It looked exactly like whipped cream.

After a short break to chat, I slewed to M 14. It looked a bit like a nebula. Then, I found by accident B 518. It was as bright as desert sand. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed Abell 8. It appeared to be a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I sketched M 59 in Ursa Minor. It seemed most like dancing elephants. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for IC 3196. It looked a bit like desert sand. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried NGC 2066 in Ursa Minor. It reminded me of R2-D2. Next, I looked for and suspected Abell 74 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It was even more difficult than whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down NGC 4463. It was better than diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I went for M 49. It was a blurry likeness of dancing elephants. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see M 73 in Orion. It seemed fainter than an inflamed monkey butt. With that checked off my list, I checked out B 108. It appeared to be fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I logged IC 42. It was better than Alan Rickman. Next, I nudged my telescope to Abell 72. It was easy, just like yet another globular.

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 ebola.


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

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