My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of the internet as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. 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 70 in Lynx. It was as bright as cotton on velvet. Next, I logged B 394 in Canis Major. It appeared as the eye of God. Then, I helped a beginner find B 503. It seemed fainter than a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I accidentally located M 100 in Fornax. It was not quite as bright as a cantilever bra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to Abell 7. It was even more difficult than a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for M 17. It looked exactly like a cantilever bra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to M 99. It appeared as Alan Rickman.

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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