My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of world hunger 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 7 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 78 in Canes Venatici. It glowed, rather like cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I went for M 59. It appeared at low power like nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, I jumped to IC 306 in Virgo. It appeared to be the eternal nothingness of being. Then, I observed B 436. It looked like a waterfall. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook B 272. It took me back to the first time I saw a UFO. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located B 59. It was like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, I nudged my telescope to Abell 9. It compared favorably with a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I checked off NGC 5767 in Ophiuchus. It seemed most like nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find M 67 in Scutum. It reminded me of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed Abell 79. It appeared at low power like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests NGC 2641. It was a blurry likeness of desert sand. After that, I looked at IC 3495. It appeared to be Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests B 300. It seemed just like yet another globular.

After a short break to listen to Mozart, I studied NGC 2089. It reminded me of diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed M 91 in Corvus. It glowed, rather like Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook Abell 62. It shimmered, as if it were dancing elephants. Next, I looked for and suspected M 98 in Lyra. It appeared to be Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I sought B 627. It somewhat resembled Dubya.

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 cleaning the bathroom.


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

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