My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the inner workings of the energy crisis as I contemplated the past week of rain. 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 50. It seemed most like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I located NGC 186. It was a dead ringer for a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for B 268 in Camelopardalis. It appeared at low power like nothing I'd ever seen before.

After a short break to walk around, I showed some guests IC 1591. It was better than the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located NGC 5822. It gave the appearance of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to M 39. It compared favorably with George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I logged IC 1212. It looked uncannily like a little triangle. Next, I logged Abell 93. It took me back to the first time I saw a UFO. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident IC 1740. It seemed fainter than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I star-hopped to M 91. It was a dead ringer for fleecy wool. Then, I hunted for Abell 49. It appeared in the eyepiece like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I sketched Abell 46 in Gemini. It gave the appearance of black pearls on flocked paper. Then, I sought B 572 in Canes Venatici. It reminded me of lumpy darkness. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for IC 74. It looked uncannily like Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located Abell 24. It was a dead ringer for cream being swirled into hot coffee. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests IC 751. It shimmered, as if it were yet another globular. With that checked off my list, I tracked down B 74. It somewhat resembled diamonds on light grey velvet.

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 stale peeps.


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

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