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 insignificance of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 29 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 69. It seemed fainter than smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident NGC 4097. It took me back to the first time I saw George W. Bush. Next, I nudged my telescope to IC 277 in Serpens. It took me back to the first time I saw spent coals, faintly glowing.

After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I tracked down IC 3134. It seemed just like black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find Abell 76. It shimmered, as if it were the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought M 22 in Scorpius. It was a dead ringer for cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I looked at NGC 1237. It glowed, rather like Gollum. Then, I located NGC 152. It seemed most like Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook B 84. It seemed most like the pillars of creation. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located B 139. It would be easy to confuse with a swarm of bees. Then, I added to my logbook M 45. It gave the appearance of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, I showed some guests Abell 98. It glowed, rather like a glimmer of the Big Bang. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find IC 1216. It compared favorably with black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off NGC 6191. It seemed just like the last six objects I'd seen.

After a short break to do some yoga, I looked at NGC 2706 in Ursa Major. It gave the appearance of an inflamed monkey butt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed NGC 1515 in Pisces Austrinus. It seemed fainter than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, I checked off M 23 in Corvus. It appeared to be 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 hunting with the Vice President.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)