My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the current implications of cosmology as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 39 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 108 in Septans. It looked exactly like the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I jumped to Abell 16. It was a dead ringer for nothing I'd ever seen before. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests IC 434. It appeared to be the pillars of creation. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find B 337 in Scorpius. It took me back to the first time I saw a spitting cobra.

After a short break to recite my mantra, I accidentally located M 32. It looked exactly like blackness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident NGC 4320. It glowed, rather like a smoke ring.

After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I showed some guests NGC 2000. It seemed fainter than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.

After a short break to check my email, I showed some guests IC 1919 in Camelopardalis. It was better than a nebula.

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 being strapped naked to an anthill.


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

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