My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the higher implications of Dilbert 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 45 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 65 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It glowed, rather like the last six objects I'd seen. Next, I accidentally located B 605. It was a dead ringer for a cantilever bra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to B 187. It compared favorably with Gollum. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off Abell 40. It shimmered, as if it were desert sand. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off IC 2695. It was a blurry likeness of diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I nudged my telescope to B 428 in Septans. It appeared at low power like cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at B 415. It shimmered, as if it were a whale spouting. Next, I studied IC 633 in Sagittarius. It was better than diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I studied B 3. It took me back to the first time I saw that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, I logged IC 3421. It would be easy to confuse with ripples of water. Then, I looked for and suspected IC 1600. It was like Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I studied B 464. It sparkled like dancing elephants.

After a short break to do some yoga, I had a chance to see B 598. It appeared in the eyepiece like 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 internet sex.


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

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