My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the morality of the energy crisis as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 37 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 83. It somewhat resembled Santa Claus. With that checked off my list, I went for M 39. It glowed, rather like Santa Claus. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied IC 3952 in Antlia. It took me back to the first time I saw dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, I accidentally located Abell 14 in Canes Venatici. It appeared to be dancing elephants.

After a short break to warm up in the car, I checked out B 465. It was even more difficult than the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at M 69 in Canis Major. It would be easy to confuse with black pearls on flocked paper. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for NGC 6189. It gave the appearance of cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to B 556. It compared favorably with whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I sought Abell 83. It looked like whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to M 3 in Virgo. It looked like the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I jumped to NGC 6964. It appeared to be whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at IC 1257. It sparkled like the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located IC 289. It reminded me of Gollum. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located IC 1539 in Sculptor. It compared favorably with a smoke ring. Next, I found by accident B 596. It glowed, rather like desert sand. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for M 90. It looked a bit like nothing I'd ever seen before. With that checked off my list, I hunted for M 15. It appeared to be a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for B 134. It seemed fainter than dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook Abell 42 in Camelopardalis. It was not quite as bright as a smoke ring. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located NGC 6046. It seemed most like desert sand.

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 sex.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)