My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the popularity of the energy crisis 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 13 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 50. It appeared to be nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see B 44 in Serpens. It seemed just like Smokey the Bear. After that, I went for IC 2575. It was a blurry likeness of R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out M 67. It was not quite as bright as the pillars of creation. Next, I checked out B 389. It seemed fainter than a smoke ring.

After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I hunted B 37. It looked exactly like the face of God.

After a short break to empty my output buffers, I checked off Abell 89. It reminded me of dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I observed B 455. It would be easy to confuse with a UFO. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests Abell 6. It seemed almost dancing elephants. Next, I showed some guests M 31. It gave the appearance of a nebula. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at NGC 1148. It somewhat resembled the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I tried for M 16 in Pisces Austrinus. It appeared as whipped cream. Then, I helped a beginner find Abell 74. It was a dead ringer for 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 reading Beowulf in Old English.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)