My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the current implications of the energy crisis as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 17 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 95. It gave the appearance of ripples of water. Then, for a real challenge, I studied Abell 81. It seemed most like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I hunted for Abell 81. It looked a bit like a little triangle. Then, I checked out B 622. It was a blurry likeness of an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed M 65. It gave the appearance of blackness. Next, I observed M 64. It shimmered, as if it were black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched M 100. It glowed, rather like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, I studied NGC 3140. It sparkled like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found IC 3972 in Orion. It seemed most like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied M 85 in Sculptor. It seemed fainter than black pearls on flocked paper. After that, I hunted for IC 3295. It was a dead ringer for cotton candy. Then, I observed IC 483 in Ursa Major. It seemed almost dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I jumped to B 171 in Sagittarius. It looked a bit like a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for Abell 13. It was easy, just like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find IC 1746 in that confusing part of Virgo. It took me back to the first time I saw cotton candy. Then, I observed NGC 5710. It was better than a whale spouting. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for NGC 1744 in Sculptor. It looked uncannily like a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I went for M 51 in Ursa Major. It compared favorably with the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged Abell 87. It was a dead ringer for that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.

After a short break to chat, I found Abell 10. It seemed most like a waterfall.

After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I showed some guests IC 3086. It was easy, just like a smoke ring.

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 hunting with the Vice President.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)