My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the higher implications of Yahoo P/E ratios as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 28 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 38. It appeared as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I found by accident Abell 38 in Canes Venatici. It looked like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to IC 2962 in Lepus. It somewhat resembled desert sand. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook NGC 2529. It glowed, rather like a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I sketched IC 2269. It gave the appearance of black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed IC 674 in Ursa Major. It looked like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.

After a short break to chat, I hunted IC 1557. It appeared as the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I hunted for NGC 2693. It compared favorably with its Hubble photograph. Then, I added to my logbook Abell 30. It looked like cotton candy. Next, I added to my logbook NGC 5392 in the western sky. It glowed, rather like the last six objects I'd seen. Next, I identified B 436 in Hydra. It was easy, just like a swarm of bees.

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 reading Beowulf in Old English.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)