My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the current state of world hunger as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 48 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 15. It looked uncannily like diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I sketched Abell 8. It seemed fainter than a waterfall. With that checked off my list, I tried for B 628. It shimmered, as if it were the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find NGC 1407. It looked a bit like the clouds I'd seen earlier. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed IC 1610. It took me back to the first time I saw cotton candy. Then, I checked off Abell 79. It was as bright as cotton on velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to IC 3315 in Cygnus. It looked like a swarm of bees. After that, I star-hopped to M 63. It reminded me of a cantilever bra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted IC 2615. It appeared as a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I stumbled upon NGC 1308 in Lyra. It appeared at low power like ripples of water. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed B 198. It shimmered, as if it were the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at M 11. It somewhat resembled the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I studied Abell 6. It appeared at low power like Dubya. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at B 219. It looked uncannily like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched NGC 3128. It seemed most like diamonds on black velvet.

After a short break to check my email, I jumped to NGC 1393. It appeared to be 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find IC 3085. It seemed fainter than black pearls on flocked paper. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found B 245. It would be easy to confuse with ripples of water.

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 fetid Dingo's kidneys.


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

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