My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of the universe as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 47 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 23 in Canis Major. It seemed just like a UFO. Next, I jumped to IC 3402. It looked a bit like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, I jumped to IC 1405. It looked uncannily like a whale spouting. Then, I slewed to NGC 4621. It was a dead ringer for Alan Rickman. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon M 78. It was a dead ringer for dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, I showed some guests NGC 875. It looked exactly like the face of God. After that, I glimpsed IC 226. It was not quite as bright as an inflamed monkey butt. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook IC 1143. It seemed just like cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out Abell 18 in Lepus. It was a dead ringer for one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, I located Abell 51 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It was even more difficult than lumpy darkness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 19. It shimmered, as if it were dancing elephants.

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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.


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

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