My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of the internet as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 9 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 104. It sparkled like Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched NGC 4986. It was not quite as bright as a whale spouting. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests M 95. It compared favorably with cotton on velvet.

After a short break to recite my mantra, I looked at Abell 44. It looked a bit like desert sand. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located B 590. It sparkled like an inflamed monkey butt.

After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I observed Abell 1 in Scutum. It looked uncannily like a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to B 197 in Sagittarius. It was as bright as two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests Abell 27. It was as bright as a UFO. Then, I sketched IC 1750. It reminded me of the last six objects I'd seen. Next, I hunted Abell 29. It looked a bit like a little triangle. After that, I had a chance to see B 635. It compared favorably with a swarm of bees. Then, I tried IC 1088. It looked uncannily like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After that, I checked out IC 1001. It reminded me of a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected M 75. It shimmered, as if it were spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, I had a chance to see M 90. It seemed most like black pearls on flocked paper. Next, I helped a beginner find Abell 30. It appeared as Miss Piggy. Then, I accidentally located B 100. It appeared to be spent coals, faintly glowing.

After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I hunted Abell 38 in Ophiuchus. It compared favorably with a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon IC 772. It appeared as George W. Bush. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I jumped to B 56. It was a blurry likeness of desert sand. Next, I observed M 87. It was easy, just like diamonds on black velvet. Next, I slewed to NGC 6366. It was a blurry likeness of dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, for a real challenge, I observed Abell 5. It shimmered, as if it were Miss Piggy.

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 reading Beowulf in Old English.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)