My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the morality of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 5 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 78 in Ursa Major. It reminded me of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, I identified Abell 78 in Ursa Minor. It reminded me of black pearls on flocked paper. Then, I sought IC 64. It was easy, just like George W. Bush. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see NGC 4928 in Sagittarius. It would be easy to confuse with diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I tried NGC 1249 in Antlia. It appeared in the eyepiece like lumpy darkness. With that checked off my list, I went for B 342 in Orion. It looked a bit like spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to B 300. It was as bright as Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. With that checked off my list, I hunted for IC 1841. It took me back to the first time I saw the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests B 620 in Orion. It looked exactly like a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I identified M 26 in Lepus. It was a blurry likeness of George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at IC 1001. It shimmered, as if it were one of Martha Stewart's doilies.

After a short break to recite my mantra, I slewed to B 225 in Lepus. It was as bright as the clouds I'd seen earlier.

After a short break to chat, I looked at NGC 3538. It took me back to the first time I saw George W. Bush.

After a short break to chat, I hunted IC 3683. It looked a bit like Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I located M 47. It compared favorably with a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected NGC 2026. It appeared as the invisible man. Then, I found Abell 89. It somewhat resembled cotton candy. Then, I star-hopped to Abell 5 in Septans. It looked exactly like diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I identified IC 3450. It appeared at low power 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 being strapped naked to an anthill.


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

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