My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of Doonsbury as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 29 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 15. It looked exactly like a far-away cloud. With that checked off my list, I looked at NGC 6990. It was even more difficult than the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook NGC 6022 in Perseus. It reminded me of Gollum. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched Abell 86. It looked exactly like a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I sought B 464. It looked a bit like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I tracked down IC 1371. It appeared to be a far-away cloud. Then, I hunted B 162 in Virgo. It would be easy to confuse with Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged IC 1732. It would be easy to confuse with a smoke ring.

After a short break to have a smoke, I checked out NGC 1398 in Triangulum. It would be easy to confuse with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook M 3. It gave the appearance of fleecy wool.

After a short break to recite my mantra, I sketched M 69 in Ursa Major. It seemed most like a nebula. Then, I glimpsed B 611 in Corvus. It was as bright as Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located IC 2715 in Lyra. It reminded me of diamonds on black velvet. After that, I checked out M 81. It somewhat resembled its Hubble photograph.

After a short break to listen to Mozart, I glimpsed Abell 47. It was a dead ringer for R2-D2. After that, I tracked down M 64. It glowed, rather like the invisible man.

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 being ravaged by savage wild wombats.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)