My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the deep impact of Norse mythology as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 58 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 57. It shimmered, as if it were a whale spouting. Next, I glimpsed Abell 66. It sparkled like Smokey the Bear. After that, I star-hopped to B 526 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It looked uncannily like dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for M 29. It seemed fainter than cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests M 60. It was better than the pillars of creation. After that, I checked out M 30. It looked like diamonds on black velvet. After that, I went for IC 1433 in Sculptor. It reminded me of spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I tried for B 168. It was as bright as Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down NGC 1849. It gave the appearance of ripples of water. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched NGC 442. It looked a bit like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, I went for IC 3481. It looked exactly like the eternal nothingness of being. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched M 77. It looked exactly like spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to B 249 in Fornax. It shimmered, as if it were dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought NGC 4304. It would be easy to confuse with the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I nudged my telescope to B 329. It took me back to the first time I saw Gollum. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected B 224 in Canes Venatici. It took me back to the first time I saw a little triangle. After that, I tracked down B 485 in Ursa Minor. It glowed, rather like a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to NGC 6876. It reminded me of Gollum.

After a short break to empty my output buffers, I found by accident M 68. It was easy, just like Smokey the Bear.

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) .

(Don't forget to hit reload.)