My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the inner workings of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 52 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 7 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It sparkled like Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located M 88 in Scorpius. It reminded me of nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought M 102. It was a dead ringer for the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for M 17 in the western sky. It was even more difficult than dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I looked for and suspected B 7. It reminded me of Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at B 74. It seemed fainter than the eye of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for B 273 in Ursa Minor. It was a blurry likeness of a UFO. Then, I checked out Abell 19 in Corvus. It somewhat resembled the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to B 501. It looked a bit like whipped cream. Then, I jumped to NGC 2940. It took me back to the first time I saw a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I hunted for B 117. It appeared to be the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off B 522 in Corvus. It seemed just like a far-away cloud. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to Abell 64. It glowed, rather like its Hubble photograph. Next, I checked out M 30 in Camelopardalis. It reminded me of the invisible man.

After a short break to have a smoke, I looked for and suspected Abell 4. It was not quite as bright as all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I logged Abell 3 in Scutum. It seemed fainter than yet another globular. After that, I hunted B 332. It was better than a cantilever bra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook M 12. It looked like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I logged Abell 80. It seemed just like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, I observed IC 607 in Scutum. It shimmered, as if it were cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I sought IC 3400. It was better than the last six objects I'd seen. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon M 108. It gave the appearance of a UFO. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched B 322. It was as bright as all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged Abell 83 in Pisces Austrinus. It shimmered, as if it were a smoke ring.

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 observing reports.


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

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