My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the study of Doonsbury as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 8 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 3 in Draco. It gave the appearance of desert sand. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out NGC 1746. It appeared to be 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I sought M 103. It compared favorably with a little triangle. Then, I found by accident NGC 3113. It was easy, just like a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located Abell 59 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It seemed almost fleecy wool. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident NGC 1380 in Septans. It somewhat resembled Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I studied IC 1965. It gave the appearance of the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to Abell 89. It looked exactly like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.

After a short break to converse with an owl, I tried Abell 6 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It was not quite as bright as cotton candy. Then, I went for M 78. It reminded me of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook IC 1706 in Ursa Minor. It was like an inflamed monkey butt.

After a short break to drink a slurpie, I added to my logbook B 548. It gave the appearance of a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, I star-hopped to NGC 6298 in Canis Major. It would be easy to confuse with cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down NGC 5111 in Sagittarius. It seemed almost a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find NGC 984 in Gemini. It would be easy to confuse with all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I tried B 39. It somewhat resembled the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located IC 2668 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It appeared in the eyepiece like a glimmer of the Big Bang. With that checked off my list, I logged IC 481. It shimmered, as if it were 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified B 49. It appeared in the eyepiece like an inflamed monkey butt. Then, I located NGC 1717. It appeared as fleecy wool. Next, I helped a beginner find M 55. It reminded me of the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to M 32. It appeared as spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located NGC 3605. It seemed almost all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find Abell 73. It took me back to the first time I saw a smoke ring.

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 internet sex.


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

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