My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, 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 33 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 93. It seemed just like R2-D2. Next, I tried for M 4. It appeared to be a smoke ring. After that, I found by accident NGC 1773. It looked a bit like a smoke ring.

After a short break to check my email, I found by accident Abell 50. It compared favorably with 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I logged M 63. It reminded me of Santa Claus.

After a short break to empty my output buffers, I slewed to Abell 90 in Triangulum. It looked like a spider. Then, I showed some guests NGC 958 in Ursa Minor. It was better than the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I looked for and suspected B 604. It was even more difficult than cotton candy. Next, I sketched B 460. It seemed just like a whale spouting. After that, I went for NGC 2687. It seemed fainter than a spitting cobra. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find B 543 in Sculptor. It was a dead ringer for desert sand. Then, for a real challenge, I tried B 247. It seemed just like a swarm of bees. After that, I accidentally located B 327. It seemed most like cotton candy. Then, I located Abell 67. It appeared to be cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I found by accident NGC 22. It was as bright as a UFO. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for B 112. It would be easy to confuse with Gollum.

After a short break to drink a slurpie, I jumped to B 184. It appeared in the eyepiece like all the other smudges I've ever looked at.

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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