My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the study of astrology as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 26 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 35 in Gemini. It appeared at low power like diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I showed some guests Abell 30. It looked exactly like cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I sought NGC 6639. It was like an inflamed monkey butt.

After a short break to converse with an owl, I checked off M 79. It appeared as lumpy darkness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected M 87 in Septans. It appeared as Miss Piggy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted NGC 1378. It would be easy to confuse with cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see Abell 30. It looked like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I studied B 63. It glowed, rather like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see NGC 470 in Scorpius. It appeared at low power like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I tried Abell 14. It was a blurry likeness of one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook Abell 68. It reminded me of ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off Abell 6 in Camelopardalis. It seemed fainter than fleecy wool. Then, I located M 77. It appeared in the eyepiece like ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed IC 3416 in Fornax. It was as bright as the face of God. Then, for a real challenge, I found NGC 6619 in Serpens. It took me back to the first time I saw dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I checked out B 402. It looked exactly like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to NGC 5264. It looked a bit like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, I located M 69 in the western sky. It was a dead ringer for a spitting cobra. Then, I logged Abell 72. It looked a bit like desert sand.

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 cleaning the bathroom.


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

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