My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the higher implications of Dilbert as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 4 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 56. It would be easy to confuse with its Hubble photograph. After that, I slewed to NGC 3416. It compared favorably with a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, I sketched M 52. It was not quite as bright as a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests M 78 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It reminded me of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, I hunted for B 401. It was as bright as an inflamed monkey butt. After that, I had a chance to see NGC 5015 in Ursa Major. It was better than a far-away cloud.

After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I star-hopped to NGC 5710 in Virgo. It was even more difficult than whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After that, I glimpsed NGC 5396. It looked uncannily like the eternal nothingness of being. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out Abell 39. It was as bright as whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified Abell 91. It looked exactly like the eye of God. Next, I located Abell 48. It seemed just like the eternal nothingness of being.

After a short break to drink a slurpie, I helped a beginner find M 101 in Hydra. It compared favorably with a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.

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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