My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of Yahoo P/E ratios 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 12 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 96. It was easy, just like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I looked at IC 1235. It seemed just like the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I tried for M 54. It sparkled like Smokey the Bear.

After a short break to check my email, I found by accident NGC 277. It would be easy to confuse with that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought Abell 98. It reminded me of its Hubble photograph. After that, I glimpsed IC 1241. It was as bright as dancing elephants. After that, I hunted M 66. It looked like diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to B 410. It was like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After that, I had a chance to see M 104 in Perseus. It took me back to the first time I saw Gollum. With that checked off my list, I sketched M 3. It reminded me of a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for NGC 6947 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It appeared in the eyepiece like Smokey the Bear. After that, I sought IC 3395. It looked exactly like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After that, I accidentally located NGC 108. It appeared in the eyepiece like the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to NGC 2047. It looked like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.

After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I helped a beginner find Abell 58. It looked like the eternal nothingness of being. With that checked off my list, I observed M 64. It reminded me of cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find IC 768. It looked uncannily like a waterfall. Then, I helped a beginner find B 264. It appeared at low power like Santa Claus. Next, I logged M 86 in Pisces Austrinus. It shimmered, as if it were the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, I sketched M 85. It appeared as a smoke ring. Next, I stumbled upon IC 877. It shimmered, as if it were spent coals, faintly glowing.

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 fetid Dingo's kidneys.


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

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