My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the study of the energy crisis as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 59 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 102. It appeared to be Santa Claus. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched B 75. It was as bright as a swarm of bees. After that, I helped a beginner find B 99. It was like the pillars of creation. Next, I located Abell 56. It was even more difficult than a waterfall. Next, I tried IC 1515. It looked uncannily like Gollum. Then, I found by accident Abell 24. It appeared as 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found IC 3890. It appeared at low power like diamonds on light grey velvet.

After a short break to warm up in the car, I looked at Abell 69 in Septans. It looked like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, I found by accident NGC 3108 in Sculptor. It was not quite as bright as dancing elephants. Then, I slewed to IC 3232 in Pisces Austrinus. It reminded me of Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon IC 631. It was a blurry likeness of the eye of God. After that, I checked off IC 158. It took me back to the first time I saw Miss Piggy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down M 82. It looked uncannily like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to B 127. It shimmered, as if it were Smokey the Bear.

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 being strapped naked to an anthill.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)