My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the higher implications of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 0 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 106. It seemed just like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.

After a short break to converse with an owl, I hunted NGC 4759 in Pisces Austrinus. It looked like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, I had a chance to see NGC 2970. It appeared to be Miss Piggy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched NGC 2087. It gave the appearance of a swarm of bees. After that, I jumped to B 265. It appeared at low power like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band.

After a short break to listen to Mozart, I looked at NGC 660 in Hydra. It was as bright as desert sand. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to B 348. It was better than Alan Rickman. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see IC 2988 in Orion. It looked a bit like dancing elephants.

After a short break to chat, I stumbled upon IC 3973. It was a blurry likeness of two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to Abell 31. It was even more difficult than a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located IC 1613. It was easy, just like Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I located Abell 59 in Ursa Minor. It would be easy to confuse with Alan Rickman. Next, I sketched B 645. It appeared to be a far-away cloud. Next, I studied NGC 407. It took me back to the first time I saw a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find B 101 in Corvus. It seemed just like cotton on velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon IC 3633. It appeared as the eternal nothingness of being. After that, I found Abell 9. It gave the appearance of R2-D2.

After a short break to do some yoga, I looked at IC 2259. It appeared as 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 getting shot in the face by Dick Cheney.


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

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