My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the current state of chaos theory as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. 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 34. It appeared in the eyepiece like spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to B 381. It reminded me of an inflamed monkey butt. After that, I jumped to Abell 41. It glowed, rather like dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I studied Abell 67. It reminded me of a whale spouting. Next, I stumbled upon NGC 1530. It looked uncannily like Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched B 594. It looked uncannily like a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to IC 2825. It seemed just like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. With that checked off my list, I hunted for NGC 5083. It seemed most like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I studied M 34. It would be easy to confuse with a spitting cobra. After that, I showed some guests NGC 4857 in Ursa Minor. It looked exactly like a nebula. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see NGC 3620. It was a dead ringer for the invisible man.

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 reading Beowulf in Old English.


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

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