My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of the universe 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 55 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 3 in Canis Major. It appeared as spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook Abell 89. It was as bright as black pearls on flocked paper. Then, for a real challenge, I located B 610. It shimmered, as if it were its Hubble photograph. Next, I nudged my telescope to B 127. It reminded me of spent coals, faintly glowing. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook IC 3119. It looked uncannily like a cantilever bra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see B 459. It compared favorably with whispy tendrils of nebulosity.

After a short break to empty my output buffers, I had a chance to see B 14. It looked exactly like ripples of water. Next, I found M 56 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It compared favorably with cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, I hunted IC 621 in the western sky. It sparkled like a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged B 469. It reminded me of a cantilever bra. With that checked off my list, I observed NGC 4166. It was even more difficult than black pearls on flocked paper. Next, I looked for and suspected IC 2617. It took me back to the first time I saw spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at M 13. It seemed just like dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to IC 3378 in Serpens. It reminded me of black pearls on flocked paper.

After a short break to have a smoke, I checked off NGC 6175. It was a blurry likeness of a nebula. Next, I sketched Abell 27. It seemed most like a spitting cobra.

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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