My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the insignificance of AP Refractors as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 33 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 55 in Ophiuchus. It reminded me of spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I observed IC 2308. It was even more difficult than a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests M 92. It looked a bit like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I hunted IC 1205. It compared favorably with Gollum.

After a short break to empty my output buffers, I studied NGC 5702. It appeared in the eyepiece like the invisible man. Then, I observed Abell 80 in Cygnus. It looked a bit like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, I slewed to IC 2565 in Canis Major. It shimmered, as if it were a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 2029. It looked a bit like fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I looked at B 177. It was a blurry likeness of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to M 32. It looked uncannily like diamonds on black velvet. Then, I accidentally located IC 3441. It seemed almost blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found IC 662 in Ursa Major. It somewhat resembled a glimmer of the Big Bang. With that checked off my list, I tried for IC 2231. It was like Miss Piggy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted M 23. It gave the appearance of its Hubble photograph. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see Abell 73. It reminded me of nothing I'd ever seen before. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought B 380. It was a dead ringer for diamonds on light grey velvet.

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 spending the evening reading blogs.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)