My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of Norse mythology 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 54 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 59 in Lepus. It compared favorably with cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I found by accident NGC 1342 in that confusing part of Virgo. It looked a bit like diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I studied IC 390. It glowed, rather like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I slewed to Abell 48. It was easy, just like the last six objects I'd seen.

After a short break to walk around, I checked off Abell 88. It was better than the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests NGC 4177. It seemed just like yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for B 504. It seemed just like fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to Abell 53. It seemed most like a swarm of bees. After that, I looked at Abell 86 in Cygnus. It was even more difficult than the clouds I'd seen earlier. After that, I jumped to NGC 1491. It was not quite as bright as the face of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for Abell 98. It was as bright as two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, I stumbled upon M 74. It seemed just like R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected B 257. It appeared as diamonds on black velvet. Then, I observed NGC 3053. It seemed just like fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected M 28 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It reminded me of a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I showed some guests NGC 6822 in Lyra. It seemed fainter than Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at Abell 48. It seemed just like a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched M 104 in Triangulum. It was easy, just like a UFO. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched NGC 5098. It somewhat resembled fleecy wool.

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 listening to the Monkees Box Set.


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

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