My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of underwater basket weaving as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 48 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 20. It looked uncannily like a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched Abell 32. It was a dead ringer for the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I jumped to Abell 24. It was better than a smoke ring. Next, I showed some guests NGC 3257. It looked exactly like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged B 475. It was not quite as bright as Gollum. Then, I star-hopped to IC 1497. It was not quite as bright as Demi Moore. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out M 85. It seemed most like the pillars of creation. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located IC 3028. It sparkled like desert sand. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find B 646. It looked like Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I tried for NGC 320. It appeared to be all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I looked at NGC 6037. It seemed fainter than a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I identified IC 1241. It shimmered, as if it were Gollum. Then, I hunted Abell 38 in Lyra. It seemed fainter than Gollum.

After a short break to listen to Mozart, I identified B 603. It appeared in the eyepiece like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found M 37. It appeared at low power like the last six objects I'd seen. Next, I logged IC 2735. It seemed just like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon M 78. It looked exactly like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon B 344. It was as bright as yet another globular.

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 spending the evening reading blogs.


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

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