My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the study of the universe as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. 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 19 in Canis Major. It glowed, rather like Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified Abell 26. It appeared as dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I had a chance to see M 11 in Gemini. It reminded me of the pillars of creation. Then, I helped a beginner find Abell 57. It would be easy to confuse with Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I checked out IC 588 in Perseus. It was not quite as bright as that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, I sought Abell 85. It seemed just like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I sought Abell 17. It looked uncannily like the invisible man. Then, I looked at IC 8 in Gemini. It seemed most like cream being swirled into hot coffee. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried NGC 4547 in Sculptor. It looked uncannily like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, I hunted for Abell 4 in Pisces Austrinus. It seemed most like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I observed Abell 80. It shimmered, as if it were a cantilever bra. With that checked off my list, I found NGC 2707 in Hydra. It shimmered, as if it were fleecy wool. After that, I sought NGC 2461 in Sculptor. It sparkled like Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for IC 3365. It appeared at low power like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched IC 1013 in Fornax. It was as bright as its Hubble photograph. Next, I sketched IC 1345. It seemed fainter than Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for Abell 58. It took me back to the first time I saw Alan Rickman. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident Abell 96. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud. Next, I tracked down IC 863 in Corvus. It seemed just like blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident Abell 67. It was even more difficult than yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged B 553. It would be easy to confuse with a little triangle.

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 fetid Dingo's kidneys.


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

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