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 socioeconomic impact of this Pale Blue Dot we call home as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 37 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 39. It looked exactly like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 3. It was even more difficult than whispy tendrils of nebulosity.

After a short break to recite my mantra, I stumbled upon IC 1934. It was even more difficult than dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I glimpsed IC 878. It somewhat resembled that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried Abell 17. It looked a bit like the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for M 81. It gave the appearance of a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests Abell 61. It appeared to be cream being swirled into hot coffee.

After a short break to warm up in the car, I looked at Abell 31 in Scutum. It reminded me of Santa Claus.

After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I went for NGC 3672. It appeared to be that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, I helped a beginner find M 64 in Orion. It was a blurry likeness of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located NGC 5839. It looked uncannily like cotton on velvet. Next, I hunted B 199. It glowed, rather like a cantilever bra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for Abell 41 in Ursa Minor. It somewhat resembled whispy tendrils of nebulosity.

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 ebola.


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

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