My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of my life's work 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 36 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 90. It appeared in the eyepiece like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, I checked off NGC 3033. It sparkled like a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched NGC 63. It appeared at low power like Demi Moore. Next, I checked off B 75. It was as bright as dancing elephants. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find B 317. It was not quite as bright as Smokey the Bear.

After a short break to have a smoke, I jumped to M 38 in Gemini. It seemed fainter than R2-D2. Next, I studied M 106 in Perseus. It somewhat resembled a smoke ring. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located M 109. It compared favorably with all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I sketched M 104. It gave the appearance of nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, I glimpsed B 641. It looked a bit like cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I studied NGC 6112. It appeared at low power like George W. Bush. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed B 428. It appeared to be a spider. After that, I found Abell 20. It was a blurry likeness of a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to B 376 in Sagittarius. It appeared as Santa Claus. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched M 3 in that confusing part of Virgo. It seemed fainter than that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, I stumbled upon M 14. It looked a bit like whipped cream.

After a short break to check my email, I had a chance to see B 443. It gave the appearance of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see IC 1435. It seemed just like whipped cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at M 29. It seemed fainter than a glimmer of the Big Bang.

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 being strapped naked to an anthill.


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

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