My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the popularity 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 55 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 64. It appeared in the eyepiece like a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located Abell 60. It was even more difficult than Demi Moore. After that, I star-hopped to NGC 1090. It gave the appearance of spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I nudged my telescope to B 2. It reminded me of smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down M 73 in Serpens. It took me back to the first time I saw the face of God. After that, I logged M 99. It looked a bit like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for IC 1912 in Ursa Minor. It seemed just like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I helped a beginner find M 36. It somewhat resembled dancing elephants. Next, I showed some guests NGC 2096 in Lepus. It looked a bit like desert sand.

After a short break to do some yoga, I hunted for B 17. It reminded me of a spitting cobra. After that, I showed some guests IC 1326. It looked a bit like cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I identified B 491. It compared favorably with cotton on velvet. Next, I logged Abell 73 in Camelopardalis. It was as bright as a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied Abell 47. It somewhat resembled Dubya. Then, for a real challenge, I logged Abell 30 in Canis Major. It appeared to be an inflamed monkey butt.

After a short break to drink a slurpie, I hunted IC 3672. It was easy, just like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. With that checked off my list, I located NGC 793 in Pisces Austrinus. It was like desert sand. Then, I looked for and suspected B 530 in Virgo. It appeared in the eyepiece like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, I found NGC 532. It reminded me of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.

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) .

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