My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the popularity of Dilbert 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 34 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 33. It was like the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I sought Abell 88. It was a dead ringer for black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I found by accident M 14. It appeared to be Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After that, I observed Abell 12. It seemed fainter than the clouds I'd seen earlier. With that checked off my list, I went for M 33 in that confusing part of Virgo. It was a blurry likeness of two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon B 439. It was as bright as a spider. Then, I showed some guests IC 3261 in Scorpius. It appeared to be Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched B 73. It seemed just like a nebula. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests M 2. It seemed most like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I looked at NGC 3617 in Perseus. It glowed, rather like diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at M 48. It was easy, just like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find NGC 610. It reminded me of all the other smudges I've ever looked at.

After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I found by accident IC 1330. It was even more difficult than cream being swirled into hot coffee. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for IC 2378. It was a blurry likeness of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After that, I stumbled upon Abell 8. It appeared at low power like Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found Abell 78. It was a dead ringer for a spitting cobra.

After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I tracked down NGC 5653. It somewhat resembled smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located NGC 6562. It glowed, rather like a smoke ring. Next, I hunted B 299 in Lynx. It was easy, just like Dubya. After that, I studied B 304. It was as bright as the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests Abell 8. It was as bright as the face of God. Then, I hunted Abell 24 in Sagittarius. It glowed, rather like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for Abell 6. It was better than yet another globular.

After a short break to recite my mantra, I sought Abell 50. It appeared to be a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.

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 cleaning the bathroom.


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

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