My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the deep impact of chaos theory as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 31 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 79. It appeared to be cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident IC 782 in Serpens. It somewhat resembled Santa Claus. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests NGC 4952 in Virgo. It sparkled like nothing I'd ever seen before. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests M 5. It would be easy to confuse with R2-D2. Then, I sketched IC 3700. It compared favorably with a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I stumbled upon IC 3342 in Perseus. It looked a bit like lumpy darkness. With that checked off my list, I looked at IC 3771. It seemed almost 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 reading observing reports.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)