My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of television as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 54 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 104. It was easy, just like cotton candy. Next, I accidentally located NGC 3346 in Antlia. It appeared to be Smokey the Bear.

After a short break to empty my output buffers, I helped a beginner find Abell 51. It appeared to be a little triangle. Then, I hunted for NGC 1068. It was a dead ringer for George W. Bush. Next, I looked for and suspected IC 573. It appeared in the eyepiece like ripples of water. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see IC 2641. It appeared to be the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to M 96. It appeared in the eyepiece like the eternal nothingness of being. Then, I had a chance to see IC 1100. It glowed, rather like Gollum.

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 being strapped naked to an anthill.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)