My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 45 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 67 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It appeared as Santa Claus. After that, I checked off NGC 4741. It seemed just like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon NGC 6765. It appeared to be whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident B 634. It was easy, just like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I sought Abell 59. It appeared as Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I located Abell 77. It seemed most like Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident IC 352. It compared favorably with R2-D2. Then, I looked at Abell 67 in Canes Venatici. It was better than a spider. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed NGC 6451 in Scutum. It looked like spent coals, faintly glowing.

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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.


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

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