My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the higher implications of underwater basket weaving 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 35 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 98. It was as bright as a little triangle. Next, I helped a beginner find B 158. It would be easy to confuse with desert sand.

After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I located IC 2997. It was a dead ringer for one of Martha Stewart's doilies.

After a short break to walk around, I tried for M 70. It was better than a cantilever bra.

After a short break to warm up in the car, I accidentally located M 82 in Scorpius. It looked like Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I checked out B 288 in Gemini. It seemed just like Santa Claus.

After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I jumped to B 120. It looked a bit like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon B 70. It seemed almost Miss Piggy. Next, I sketched IC 3188 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It gave the appearance of Santa Claus. Then, I hunted B 613. It reminded me of diamonds on black velvet. Next, I star-hopped to B 82. It was better than nothing I'd ever seen before. After that, I had a chance to see M 14 in Pisces Austrinus. It was easy, just like a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to IC 282 in Ursa Major. It seemed most like Demi Moore. After that, I star-hopped to M 96. It was as bright as Smokey the Bear.

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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