My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the deep impact of the universe as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 13 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 10. It was easy, just like a UFO. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located M 48. It appeared to be all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find Abell 90. It was easy, just like a whale spouting. With that checked off my list, I checked out M 79. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud. Next, I studied Abell 53. It took me back to the first time I saw a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at Abell 65. It sparkled like the face of God. After that, I identified B 591. It would be easy to confuse with George W. Bush. After that, I located M 46. It was a dead ringer for two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon B 607. It appeared at low power like blackness. Then, I found by accident B 478. It looked uncannily like R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I hunted for M 66. It looked like whipped cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to B 387 in Cygnus. It took me back to the first time I saw spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located NGC 3129 in Fornax. It was better than Dubya. Next, I slewed to B 407 in Sagittarius. It was not quite as bright as whipped cream. Next, I located Abell 6. It seemed most like whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I tried IC 1394. It seemed most like cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted IC 435 in Septans. It looked uncannily like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I hunted B 362. It compared favorably with whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After that, I logged M 23. It would be easy to confuse with dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I tried for M 38. It glowed, rather like the invisible man. Then, I slewed to B 193. It reminded me of ripples of water. Next, I sought B 37 in Triangulum. It seemed almost whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought M 97. It reminded me of its Hubble photograph.

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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