My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the popularity of TAC as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 54 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 53. It compared favorably with a waterfall.

After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I found by accident IC 2286 in Draco. It appeared in the eyepiece like a cantilever bra. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed Abell 13. It sparkled like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see NGC 4297 in Scorpius. It somewhat resembled George W. Bush. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to Abell 32 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It gave the appearance of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon B 425. It looked a bit like a nebula.

After a short break to drink a slurpie, I tried NGC 3698. It shimmered, as if it were a smoke ring. Next, I showed some guests M 56. It was even more difficult than Miss Piggy. Next, I sketched NGC 2981. It would be easy to confuse with black pearls on flocked paper.

After a short break to have a smoke, I slewed to NGC 6110. It was easy, just like ripples of water. Next, I helped a beginner find IC 2075. It reminded me of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After that, I stumbled upon M 85 in Ophiuchus. It reminded me of a UFO. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests NGC 4070. It was a dead ringer for all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I studied NGC 4257 in Lepus. It was a dead ringer for Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, I tried for NGC 517. It was not quite as bright as R2-D2.

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 stacking 400 Mars images by hand.


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

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