My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of underwater basket weaving as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 53 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 7. It seemed almost a nebula.

After a short break to chat, I tracked down NGC 3710. It appeared as a whale spouting. Then, I found B 342. It appeared as a smoke ring. After that, I identified B 531. It seemed almost dancing elephants. Then, I helped a beginner find NGC 4485. It looked uncannily like the last six objects I'd seen.

After a short break to listen to Mozart, I glimpsed M 14. It looked exactly like Gollum. After that, I jumped to B 94 in Lyra. It took me back to the first time I saw a far-away cloud. After that, I observed Abell 87 in Cygnus. It was not quite as bright as whipped cream. Then, I stumbled upon B 614. It seemed most like a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I went for IC 3593 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It seemed almost R2-D2. After that, I helped a beginner find M 50. It was even more difficult than Santa Claus. Then, I tried for NGC 897. It somewhat resembled a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star.

After a short break to drink a slurpie, I sought M 47. It reminded me of Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I located M 88 in Canes Venatici. It sparkled like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I showed some guests Abell 79 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It was a dead ringer for a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I logged M 98. It looked like cotton on velvet.

After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I identified M 16. It seemed fainter than R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located M 58 in Triangulum. It looked uncannily like the face of God. Next, I observed M 82. It somewhat resembled a swarm of bees. Next, I sketched NGC 594. It sparkled like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located B 557. It looked uncannily like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After that, I accidentally located B 598. It looked like the last six objects I'd seen.

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 cleaning the bathroom.


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

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