My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of chaos theory as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 9 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 106. It looked a bit like a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched NGC 6700 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It appeared to be the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located IC 1220. It was even more difficult than the face of God. Next, I helped a beginner find B 431. It seemed almost the eye of God. After that, I star-hopped to NGC 6341. It shimmered, as if it were a nebula. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon NGC 1564. It was as bright as cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, I jumped to Abell 41 in Canes Venatici. It was not quite as bright as Santa Claus. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests IC 3076. It seemed almost lumpy darkness. Next, I showed some guests NGC 8 in Hydra. It was as bright as the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I jumped to M 33. It glowed, rather like blackness.

After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I identified M 37. It shimmered, as if it were the eternal nothingness of being. Then, for a real challenge, I tried Abell 8 in Gemini. It compared favorably with a UFO. Then, I hunted for B 369 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It looked like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for M 25. It reminded me of a waterfall.

After a short break to drink a slurpie, I hunted NGC 6032. It was a dead ringer for Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed IC 1212. It took me back to the first time I saw a swarm of bees. Next, I identified M 99 in Antlia. It was a dead ringer for a UFO. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident IC 3704 in Perseus. It reminded me of a little triangle. After that, I checked off Abell 90. It sparkled like black pearls on flocked paper.

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 phone sex.


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

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