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 insignificance of world hunger as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 0 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 40 in Cygnus. It was easy, just like cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook IC 815. It was like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook M 16. It would be easy to confuse with dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I jumped to M 94. It looked a bit like the face of God.

After a short break to converse with an owl, I checked out NGC 1493. It took me back to the first time I saw diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook M 82. It looked a bit like diamonds on black velvet. Next, I hunted NGC 3397. It appeared in the eyepiece like the face of God. Next, I tracked down B 319 in Perseus. It was better than the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident NGC 3642 in Camelopardalis. It was easy, just like a swarm of bees. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see B 460. It seemed most like lumpy darkness. Then, I nudged my telescope to B 536. It was as bright as the pillars of creation.

After a short break to empty my output buffers, I showed some guests Abell 88 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It appeared as all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, I hunted for M 14. It seemed fainter than Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. With that checked off my list, I hunted B 650. It looked a bit like whipped cream. Next, I tried IC 1496. It appeared to be the last six objects I'd seen. Next, I sketched IC 144. It was even more difficult than Demi Moore.

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) .

(Don't forget to hit reload.)