My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the higher implications of TAC as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 21 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 96. It took me back to the first time I saw blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located M 64 in Pisces Austrinus. It would be easy to confuse with dancing elephants. After that, I nudged my telescope to NGC 597. It took me back to the first time I saw all the other smudges I've ever looked at.

After a short break to drink a slurpie, I sought NGC 242 in Canis Major. It seemed fainter than fleecy wool. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought NGC 4483 in Gemini. It somewhat resembled Gollum. After that, I jumped to IC 3103 in Camelopardalis. It looked like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located B 564. It was a blurry likeness of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, I showed some guests NGC 3266. It appeared as smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, I looked at Abell 22 in Orion. It looked exactly like a little triangle.

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 sex.


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

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