My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 27 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 91. It appeared as black pearls on flocked paper. Then, I located Abell 48. It would be easy to confuse with the clouds I'd seen earlier.

After a short break to warm up in the car, I sought NGC 570 in Perseus. It was better than a far-away cloud. Next, I found M 41 in Virgo. It was a dead ringer for dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for M 70. It seemed most like a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out B 147. It looked exactly like fleecy wool. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to M 90. It was easy, just like the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to IC 232. It reminded me of cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I identified Abell 77. It seemed almost Miss Piggy.

After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I slewed to NGC 3241 in Cygnus. It shimmered, as if it were a swarm of bees.

After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I had a chance to see B 313. It shimmered, as if it were a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find M 28. It looked exactly like George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I studied NGC 1969. It reminded me of a swarm of bees.

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 listening to the Monkees Box Set.


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

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