My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the current state of Yahoo P/E ratios 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 5 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 72. It appeared to be Santa Claus. After that, I nudged my telescope to B 168 in Ophiuchus. It was a dead ringer for Alan Rickman.

After a short break to recite my mantra, I jumped to B 614. It was easy, just like a whale spouting. Next, I showed some guests IC 617. It was not quite as bright as the eternal nothingness of being. Then, for a real challenge, I logged M 72 in Orion. It was a dead ringer for smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After that, I identified M 12. It glowed, rather like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched Abell 79 in Pisces Austrinus. It would be easy to confuse with fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected B 245. It took me back to the first time I saw cotton candy. Then, I looked at B 193. It was easy, just like fleecy wool. After that, I hunted IC 578. It seemed just like a swarm of bees.

After a short break to converse with an owl, I accidentally located B 145. It glowed, rather like cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I tried for B 110 in Septans. It was easy, just like a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed NGC 2130. It was easy, just like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests IC 790. It took me back to the first time I saw diamonds on black velvet.

After a short break to cut some cheese, I showed some guests B 114. It gave the appearance of Miss Piggy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to NGC 2184 in that confusing part of Virgo. It reminded me of its Hubble photograph. Next, I added to my logbook B 625 in Gemini. It sparkled like a swarm of bees. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected M 6. It appeared in the eyepiece like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I observed Abell 20 in Canis Major. It somewhat resembled Dubya.

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 stacking 400 Mars images by hand.


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

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