My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of tight underwear 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 47 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 37. It shimmered, as if it were dancing elephants. After that, I jumped to NGC 3589 in Canes Venatici. It reminded me of a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found B 301 in Canis Major. It seemed fainter than black pearls on flocked paper. Then, I sketched IC 2261. It shimmered, as if it were Dubya. After that, I logged Abell 55 in the western sky. It seemed almost lumpy darkness. Then, I stumbled upon NGC 5898. It took me back to the first time I saw fleecy wool. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located B 549. It was easy, just like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought Abell 45. It sparkled like a smoke ring. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for IC 3583 in Canis Major. It reminded me of George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I found B 539 in Serpens. It was easy, just like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After that, I observed IC 472 in Scorpius. It took me back to the first time I saw whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to NGC 5123 in Canis Major. It would be easy to confuse with cotton on velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I went for NGC 4028. It somewhat resembled a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down IC 2160. It seemed almost fleecy wool.

After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I identified B 442. It took me back to the first time I saw the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed Abell 40. It compared favorably with a little triangle.

After a short break to converse with an owl, I showed some guests Abell 99 in Sagittarius. It glowed, rather like R2-D2.

After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I looked at IC 611 in Scorpius. It was a blurry likeness of a waterfall. After that, I star-hopped to NGC 5466 in Lynx. It seemed fainter than diamonds on black velvet.

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 phone sex.


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

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