My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the deep impact of TAC as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 48 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 17. It was easy, just like dancing elephants.

After a short break to check my email, I star-hopped to IC 3951 in Orion. It was not quite as bright as black pearls on flocked paper.

After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I tried for B 104 in Pisces Austrinus. It was better than Gollum. Next, I logged Abell 80. It seemed fainter than Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out Abell 34. It was better than smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon NGC 919. It looked a bit like an inflamed monkey butt. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located M 27. It appeared as Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for Abell 21. It appeared at low power like fleecy wool. Next, I jumped to B 463 in Sculptor. It seemed almost nothing I'd ever seen before. After that, I logged NGC 1558. It seemed most like diamonds on black velvet. Then, I looked for and suspected IC 2003 in Canis Major. It reminded me of Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off IC 2878. It shimmered, as if it were a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for M 74. It seemed fainter than black pearls on flocked paper. Then, I helped a beginner find M 66. It appeared as a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I found Abell 65. It was easy, just like a spitting cobra. Then, I added to my logbook NGC 3974. It seemed just like Gollum. Then, I star-hopped to NGC 3693. It compared favorably with a cantilever bra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off B 580. It was as bright as blackness. After that, I tried Abell 35. It looked uncannily like diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I found Abell 12 in Ophiuchus. It appeared as the exhaust from a diesel Suburban.

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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.


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

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