My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of Dilbert as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 47 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 102 in Lynx. It appeared as the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook IC 2802. It looked a bit like whipped cream. With that checked off my list, I found Abell 98. It glowed, rather like whipped cream. Then, I went for IC 3282 in Sagittarius. It seemed most like the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed IC 3865 in Sculptor. It looked like cotton on velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to IC 1224. It appeared as diamonds on light grey velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried NGC 3509 in Canes Venatici. It gave the appearance of black pearls on flocked paper. Then, I tracked down M 80. It looked uncannily like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for IC 2658 in Perseus. It was easy, just like cotton candy. Next, I glimpsed M 37. It seemed just like Dubya.

After a short break to do some yoga, I checked out Abell 91 in Septans. It somewhat resembled cotton candy.

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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