My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of my life's work 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 13 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 64. It appeared to be ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified IC 1021. It appeared to be Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I tried for Abell 1. It was better than blackness.

After a short break to check my email, I added to my logbook NGC 4502. It was like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After that, I went for M 19. It looked exactly like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located Abell 3. It appeared as the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, I glimpsed B 253 in Virgo. It seemed fainter than a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.

After a short break to walk around, I located IC 3962. It looked exactly like Gollum. Then, I went for Abell 32. It reminded me of dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, for a real challenge, I sought NGC 2580. It looked like Santa Claus. After that, I stumbled upon NGC 627. It was like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. With that checked off my list, I sketched Abell 29. It was even more difficult than black pearls on flocked paper. Then, for a real challenge, I sought Abell 30 in Lynx. It seemed most like lumpy darkness. Then, I sought M 3 in Sculptor. It was not quite as bright as a nebula. After that, I sought IC 826 in Serpens. It somewhat resembled a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I identified B 57. It would be easy to confuse with Demi Moore. Next, I identified NGC 2790 in Perseus. It gave the appearance of a UFO. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted IC 44. It was like the pillars of creation.

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 stale peeps.


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

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