My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of my 401K 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 29 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 72 in Virgo. It looked like a swarm of bees. After that, I tried for IC 2701. It gave the appearance of Gollum. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for Abell 68 in Perseus. It somewhat resembled one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for Abell 22 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It appeared at low power like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find IC 3243. It compared favorably with a nebula. Then, I tried B 609. It somewhat resembled yet another globular.

After a short break to chat, I sketched B 467. It somewhat resembled that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.

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) .

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