My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the insignificance of Norse mythology as I contemplated the past week of rain. 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 18. It appeared to be a UFO.

After a short break to cut some cheese, I added to my logbook B 304. It looked a bit like diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see B 605. It seemed fainter than a little triangle.

After a short break to have a smoke, I logged B 530 in Scorpius. It appeared at low power like the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located Abell 88 in Corvus. It looked a bit like an inflamed monkey butt. Then, I tried for B 342. It was a blurry likeness of a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see IC 3760 in Scutum. It appeared at low power like Gollum.

After a short break to warm up in the car, I hunted IC 1269. It was even more difficult than Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for B 126. It glowed, rather like a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 3418 in Sculptor. It was not quite as bright as that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for M 101. It was as bright as a UFO. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at M 96. It seemed most like diamonds on light grey velvet.

After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I tracked down B 83. It gave the appearance of the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I slewed to NGC 1592. It took me back to the first time I saw whipped cream.

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 stale peeps.


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

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