My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of economic theory as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 56 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 51 in Scutum. It was better than a spitting cobra. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon M 18. It shimmered, as if it were a UFO. After that, I showed some guests M 21. It was as bright as a little triangle. Next, I sought B 563 in Orion. It shimmered, as if it were dancing elephants. After that, I checked out M 100 in Sagittarius. It looked a bit like Demi Moore. After that, I went for NGC 6683. It appeared to be that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out B 649. It reminded me of ripples of water. Next, I checked out NGC 2651. It was like Alan Rickman. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to NGC 3479 in Virgo. It would be easy to confuse with a smoke ring. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged NGC 5099. It looked like the face of God. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find M 45. It was as bright as dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed Abell 69. It appeared to be cotton candy. Then, I hunted IC 2198. It seemed just like lumpy darkness. Then, I sketched M 98 in Antlia. It looked a bit like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed Abell 9. It was easy, just like an inflamed monkey butt. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to IC 3287. It seemed fainter than an inflamed monkey butt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find Abell 79. It compared favorably with that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to NGC 2852. It appeared as cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests NGC 947. It was even more difficult than one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I checked off M 83. It reminded me of a smoke ring. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found IC 2470 in Septans. It somewhat resembled blackness.

After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I hunted Abell 49. It looked like black pearls on flocked paper.

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 phone sex.


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

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