My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of cosmology as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 11 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 93. It was better than dancing elephants.

After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I checked off Abell 81. It looked a bit like lumpy darkness. After that, I sought NGC 3745 in Gemini. It appeared at low power like a spider. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to NGC 1993 in Serpens. It was easy, just like a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I located M 30. It was even more difficult than dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down M 99. It looked like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After that, I found Abell 46. It reminded me of the eye of God. Then, I tried for M 43. It would be easy to confuse with Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted IC 1597. It looked a bit like an inflamed monkey butt. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook IC 3062. It seemed most like a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star.

After a short break to have a smoke, I tried M 94. It was even more difficult than the face of God. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed B 325 in Perseus. It took me back to the first time I saw whipped cream.

After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I glimpsed Abell 74 in Sculptor. It appeared in the eyepiece like a whale spouting. Then, I identified M 56. It appeared as yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at IC 565. It was even more difficult than whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests IC 2261 in Canis Major. It was like desert sand. Then, I jumped to NGC 6103. It seemed almost dancing elephants. Next, I hunted for IC 3631 in Lyra. It would be easy to confuse with whispy tendrils of nebulosity.

After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I hunted for B 45. It sparkled like a little triangle. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified M 43. It looked a bit like dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to IC 2114. It compared favorably with spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged M 22 in Virgo. It seemed almost dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I tracked down NGC 5097. It was better than the eye of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook B 516. It was even more difficult than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).

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 ebola.


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

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