My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the insignificance of Plato's Republic 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 12 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 68 in Sculptor. It took me back to the first time I saw a nebula.

After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I sought IC 323 in Cygnus. It looked like cotton candy. Next, I had a chance to see NGC 3260. It was like blackness.

After a short break to check my email, I jumped to B 443. It was a blurry likeness of Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I jumped to B 433. It looked a bit like Dubya. With that checked off my list, I hunted for IC 501. It took me back to the first time I saw lumpy darkness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests M 37. It seemed almost a whale spouting. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see M 48. It was a dead ringer for a swarm of bees. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought Abell 5. It seemed fainter than lumpy darkness. Next, I studied Abell 6. It was not quite as bright as the face of God. Then, I tried for B 208. It was a dead ringer for two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to Abell 64. It was easy, just like diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find M 74. It seemed just like Santa Claus.

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) .

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