My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the current state of this Pale Blue Dot we call home as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 28 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 35. It sparkled like nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for IC 3458. It compared favorably with whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After that, I sketched B 191. It looked uncannily like yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I identified M 14. It reminded me of that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought IC 2208 in Fornax. It was easy, just like a waterfall. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched M 10 in the western sky. It seemed most like lumpy darkness. With that checked off my list, I slewed to NGC 812. It somewhat resembled the eye of God. Next, I had a chance to see Abell 94. It was better than R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon M 53. It appeared in the eyepiece like 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 observing reports.


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

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