My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of the energy crisis as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 50 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 89 in Sculptor. It was not quite as bright as blackness. With that checked off my list, I sketched NGC 2377. It appeared at low power like dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to IC 1567. It somewhat resembled a whale spouting. With that checked off my list, I sought NGC 6564. It somewhat resembled Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. With that checked off my list, I hunted for M 17 in Orion. It reminded me of one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests B 25. It gave the appearance of whipped cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to Abell 78. It gave the appearance of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed B 424. It was a dead ringer for a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon M 85. It appeared at low power like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After that, I observed IC 1567. It was like R2-D2.

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 stacking 400 Mars images by hand.


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

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