My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of cosmology as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 8 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 70. It reminded me of black pearls on flocked paper. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for M 43 in Virgo. It was a dead ringer for all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I located IC 2418 in Lyra. It seemed almost George W. Bush.

After a short break to warm up in the car, I studied M 32. It was even more difficult than cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought B 113 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It shimmered, as if it were the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook B 424. It reminded me of Dubya. With that checked off my list, I jumped to Abell 89 in Lyra. It reminded me of diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I observed B 557. It was like a whale spouting. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find B 154 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It sparkled like its Hubble photograph. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident B 484. It glowed, rather like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After that, I hunted NGC 3662. It seemed just like one of Martha Stewart's doilies.

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 listening to the Monkees Box Set.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)