My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of astrology 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 30 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 100 in Gemini. It sparkled like a nebula. Next, I tried IC 2229. It shimmered, as if it were lumpy darkness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located IC 3284. It compared favorably with a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon IC 2526. It glowed, rather like spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I glimpsed B 644. It looked a bit like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After that, I showed some guests IC 2845 in the western sky. It was like the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for IC 1854. It was like ripples of water. Then, I studied M 48 in that confusing part of Virgo. It compared favorably with a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find B 238. It seemed just like the eternal nothingness of being. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident M 109. It was not quite as bright as ripples of water.

After a short break to have a smoke, I tried for B 102. It seemed most like Alan Rickman.

After a short break to do some yoga, I checked out Abell 70. It shimmered, as if it were a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down Abell 13. It seemed most like spent coals, faintly glowing.

After a short break to chat, I observed Abell 16 in Corvus. It compared favorably with Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down M 66. It seemed just like Dubya. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for NGC 4945 in Septans. It was better than lumpy darkness. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests IC 2727. It looked a bit like Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon M 57. It shimmered, as if it were a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I sought NGC 553 in Fornax. It was a blurry likeness of a glimmer of the Big Bang.

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 stale peeps.


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

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