My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the current implications of the energy crisis as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 30 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 48. It was like dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I looked for and suspected M 10. It shimmered, as if it were an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. With that checked off my list, I checked out B 207 in the western sky. It seemed most like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, I stumbled upon Abell 83 in Lepus. It seemed just like a spider. Then, I tried for B 6 in Lynx. It sparkled like a swarm of bees. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests M 98. It glowed, rather like diamonds on black velvet.

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 stale peeps.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)