My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of this Pale Blue Dot we call home as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 43 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 101. It reminded me of cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon B 276 in Ophiuchus. It looked exactly like lumpy darkness. Then, I sketched IC 556 in Perseus. It would be easy to confuse with nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, I accidentally located Abell 24. It was as bright as a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I slewed to M 105 in Lepus. It was not quite as bright as spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I stumbled upon B 273 in Pisces Austrinus. It reminded me of a nebula.

After a short break to check my email, I added to my logbook Abell 9. It was easy, just like a spitting cobra. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for NGC 6723. It gave the appearance of Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed Abell 76 in Scorpius. It was like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After that, I jumped to NGC 4310 in that confusing part of Virgo. It somewhat resembled Demi Moore. Then, I hunted for M 90. It appeared at low power like the eternal nothingness of being.

After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I had a chance to see IC 2100. It appeared at low power like nothing I'd ever seen before.

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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