My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the insignificance of economic theory as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 44 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 17 in Lyra. It was like a cantilever bra. Next, I hunted for Abell 88. It appeared in the eyepiece like Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to Abell 55. It reminded me of nothing I'd ever seen before. After that, I glimpsed B 230. It looked uncannily like whipped cream. With that checked off my list, I slewed to Abell 69. It was easy, just like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to NGC 6254. It was as bright as dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed B 379 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It took me back to the first time I saw that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After that, I showed some guests B 131. It reminded me of a little triangle. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at NGC 450. It compared favorably with Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down M 56. It looked a bit like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to B 106 in Lepus. It reminded me of that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged NGC 2316. It looked like the face of God. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down IC 1549 in Gemini. It seemed fainter than all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to Abell 95. It somewhat resembled its Hubble photograph. After that, I tried for NGC 742. It reminded me of a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down IC 3457. It reminded me of a glimmer of the Big Bang.

After a short break to warm up in the car, I checked off B 258. It was not quite as bright as one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at M 60. It looked a bit like R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to B 609. It was better than Santa Claus.

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 fetid Dingo's kidneys.


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

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