My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the inner workings of this Pale Blue Dot we call home as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 20 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 49 in Hydra. It appeared to be a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at B 575. It looked uncannily like cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I observed NGC 1582. It was a blurry likeness of Demi Moore. Next, I hunted for M 82. It was even more difficult than the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I hunted for NGC 13 in Ophiuchus. It was easy, just like cotton on velvet. After that, I sought NGC 6268 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It seemed fainter than a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged Abell 86 in Antlia. It was not quite as bright as the pillars of creation. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for IC 2208 in Ophiuchus. It would be easy to confuse with the clouds I'd seen earlier. After that, I jumped to B 19. It looked like Miss Piggy.

After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I looked at B 448. It looked uncannily like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, I added to my logbook B 353. It seemed most like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, I stumbled upon Abell 95. It was even more difficult than ripples of water. Next, I sought B 460. It seemed just like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I tracked down M 26 in Orion. It seemed fainter than a far-away cloud. After that, I star-hopped to M 33. It appeared to be the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to NGC 5806. It somewhat resembled the pillars of creation. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to IC 493 in Hydra. It shimmered, as if it were fleecy wool. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident IC 1035. It was like the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests Abell 18. It appeared in the eyepiece like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band.

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 reading Beowulf in Old English.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)