My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of my life's work 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 0 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 76. It appeared to be the clouds I'd seen earlier. After that, I nudged my telescope to NGC 6875. It took me back to the first time I saw blackness. Next, I checked out NGC 4596. It reminded me of Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed B 227 in Lepus. It shimmered, as if it were Santa Claus. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located IC 2940. It gave the appearance of a smoke ring. After that, I stumbled upon B 570. It shimmered, as if it were that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed Abell 78 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It compared favorably with cream being swirled into hot coffee.

After a short break to recite my mantra, I nudged my telescope to B 354. It somewhat resembled Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I jumped to NGC 488. It looked like a smoke ring. After that, I tried B 324 in Scorpius. It seemed fainter than a waterfall.

After a short break to drink a slurpie, I star-hopped to Abell 37. It sparkled like R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I tried M 7. It somewhat resembled 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.

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 fetid Dingo's kidneys.


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

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