My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the deep impact of my 401K as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 24 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 63. It sparkled like ripples of water. Then, I added to my logbook NGC 6990. It seemed almost a whale spouting. Then, I observed M 63. It glowed, rather like George W. Bush. With that checked off my list, I logged M 25 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It was a blurry likeness of the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I located Abell 36. It appeared to be Alan Rickman. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched IC 916 in Hydra. It seemed almost diamonds on light grey velvet.

After a short break to chat, I looked at M 13. It was better than cream being swirled into hot coffee.

After a short break to warm up in the car, I jumped to M 66 in Cygnus. It would be easy to confuse with the last six objects I'd seen. After that, I tried for NGC 884 in Orion. It appeared at low power like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).

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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