My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of cosmology 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 26 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 23 in Perseus. It compared favorably with blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see NGC 2347. It would be easy to confuse with the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook M 76 in Triangulum. It seemed fainter than a glimmer of the Big Bang. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified Abell 24. It reminded me of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched B 258 in Camelopardalis. It appeared in the eyepiece like an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off M 80 in Lynx. It compared favorably with a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, I sought NGC 1374. It appeared to be Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After that, I checked out B 126. It glowed, rather like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. With that checked off my list, I sought IC 1130 in Lyra. It took me back to the first time I saw all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed M 67 in Sagittarius. It was not quite as bright as an inflamed monkey butt. After that, I hunted for Abell 71. It appeared in the eyepiece like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at B 423. It shimmered, as if it were the pillars of creation. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests NGC 3550. It sparkled like its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see IC 2833 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It compared favorably with a smoke ring. Next, I found M 8. It was as bright as an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched NGC 1937. It gave the appearance of the pillars of creation. Next, I logged Abell 26. It would be easy to confuse with a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for Abell 90. It seemed just like a UFO. Then, I nudged my telescope to M 93. It glowed, rather like Demi Moore. With that checked off my list, I tried for B 119 in Corvus. It would be easy to confuse with two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, I checked off NGC 4759. It looked uncannily like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to B 415. It somewhat resembled Dubya. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought B 643. It seemed almost a swarm of bees. After that, I checked off M 48. It appeared in the eyepiece like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban.

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 Segmentation fault (core dumped).


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

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