My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the inner workings of my 401K as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 19 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 99. It reminded me of Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see Abell 83. It shimmered, as if it were Alan Rickman. After that, I added to my logbook Abell 13. It appeared to be whipped cream.

After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I sketched B 497 in Scutum. It appeared in the eyepiece like George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off M 90 in Scorpius. It seemed almost the invisible man.

After a short break to do some yoga, I looked for and suspected IC 2848 in Ophiuchus. It sparkled like a spider.

After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I slewed to M 86. It would be easy to confuse with a smoke ring. Then, I hunted for B 2. It looked exactly like cotton candy. Then, I had a chance to see B 172. It gave the appearance of Alan Rickman. Next, I tracked down B 609 in Gemini. It looked a bit like its Hubble photograph.

After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I checked out M 60. It looked uncannily like dandruff on black satin pajamas.

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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.


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

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