My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the popularity of the universe as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 39 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 81. It appeared as diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I glimpsed B 491. It shimmered, as if it were diamonds on black velvet.

After a short break to recite my mantra, I observed M 36 in Ophiuchus. It reminded me of the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I located M 42. It seemed just like the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I checked off IC 2629. It seemed most like Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident M 32 in Cygnus. It seemed fainter than Alan Rickman. After that, I studied NGC 438 in Hydra. It was even more difficult than the invisible man. After that, I tried Abell 22. It was even more difficult than its Hubble photograph. After that, I identified B 286. It was not quite as bright as whipped cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected M 28 in Camelopardalis. It appeared at low power like cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook M 102 in Canis Major. It would be easy to confuse with a smoke ring.

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 sex.


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

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