My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the insignificance of Dilbert as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 25 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 2. It was not quite as bright as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, I nudged my telescope to B 374. It seemed most like an inflamed monkey butt. Then, I sought B 645. It was as bright as 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I sketched IC 915. It seemed almost a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected Abell 45 in Perseus. It seemed just like a spider. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to B 325. It took me back to the first time I saw R2-D2. Then, I checked off Abell 2. It appeared in the eyepiece like desert sand. Next, I checked out IC 3484 in Scorpius. It shimmered, as if it were that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, I found B 106. It looked like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I hunted for NGC 4625 in Ursa Minor. It looked a bit like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I showed some guests Abell 94. It looked a bit like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook NGC 75. It was a blurry likeness of a UFO. Then, I jumped to Abell 62 in Lyra. It reminded me of Demi Moore. Next, I logged NGC 3097. It reminded me of fleecy wool. Next, I found by accident NGC 6993. It would be easy to confuse with a waterfall. After that, I showed some guests B 119 in Sculptor. It sparkled like Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to IC 2131. It gave the appearance of diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, I looked for and suspected NGC 4486 in Virgo. It appeared at low power like a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon M 63. It was better than a spider.

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) .

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