My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of my 401K as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 22 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 35. It seemed most like a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out B 419 in Perseus. It compared favorably with ripples of water. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to NGC 2810. It was as bright as all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I logged Abell 99. It seemed most like yet another globular. Next, I found by accident B 369. It gave the appearance of dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to IC 3975. It looked like Alan Rickman. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook NGC 4692. It looked exactly like George W. Bush. Next, I sought IC 3731. It glowed, rather like Gollum.

After a short break to converse with an owl, I showed some guests M 35. It appeared in the eyepiece like Alan Rickman. Then, I slewed to IC 28. It was like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I located Abell 9 in Fornax. It was better than whipped cream. After that, I helped a beginner find Abell 83. It seemed most like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I looked at IC 2176. It glowed, rather like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for IC 3682. It was even more difficult than a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at NGC 6051. It was easy, just like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched IC 1348 in Ursa Minor. It reminded me of a glimmer of the Big Bang. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests B 553. It reminded me of a whale spouting. Then, I slewed to IC 2098. It looked uncannily like a waterfall. Next, I observed B 269. It reminded me of spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I jumped to NGC 6646. It was better than the last six objects I'd seen.

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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