My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of the human spirit 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 8 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 43. It was not quite as bright as R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I located B 277. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud. With that checked off my list, I found by accident B 538. It glowed, rather like the face of God. After that, I hunted for NGC 4643. It seemed most like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought B 188 in Perseus. It was a dead ringer for a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I found B 108. It reminded me of the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out B 499. It appeared at low power like Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I observed NGC 2702. It was easy, just like blackness.

After a short break to cut some cheese, I added to my logbook NGC 1544 in Lepus. It was better than a whale spouting. Next, I hunted for Abell 1 in Scorpius. It seemed most like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed B 93. It sparkled like spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, I sketched B 359 in Hydra. It took me back to the first time I saw a whale spouting. After that, I checked out M 107 in Lepus. It was better than cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I jumped to M 23. It shimmered, as if it were a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I hunted NGC 6. It compared favorably with one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see M 64 in Fornax. It was a blurry likeness of a little triangle. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see IC 622 in Sagittarius. It was better than a swarm of bees.

After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I studied M 17 in Lynx. It reminded me of Miss Piggy. After that, I stumbled upon M 53. It sparkled like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band.

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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