My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the current state of this Pale Blue Dot we call home as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 32 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 44 in Sculptor. It was even more difficult than a nebula. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out IC 3937. It was better than Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see NGC 2434 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It appeared to be the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find IC 1218 in Hydra. It looked uncannily like the invisible man. After that, I stumbled upon NGC 5193. It appeared in the eyepiece like Smokey the Bear. After that, I checked out NGC 5021 in Corvus. It was like its Hubble photograph. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at Abell 83. It looked uncannily like desert sand. Then, I showed some guests M 96. It was even more difficult than a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I hunted for B 619. It gave the appearance of yet another globular. With that checked off my list, I sought B 548. It seemed just like dancing elephants. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied NGC 3998. It was a blurry likeness of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon M 48. It sparkled like a whale spouting. Then, I accidentally located M 9. It was not quite as bright as desert sand. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected M 78 in Virgo. It seemed most like a spitting cobra.

After a short break to converse with an owl, I looked at M 55. It sparkled like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down M 46. It looked uncannily like the invisible man. After that, I observed M 31. It appeared to be cotton candy.

After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I sought IC 2107. It seemed most like a far-away cloud. Next, I tracked down NGC 4702 in Scutum. It took me back to the first time I saw the pillars of creation.

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 cleaning the bathroom.


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

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