My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the higher implications of my life's work as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 16 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 18. It looked uncannily like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I observed NGC 6596. It somewhat resembled Alan Rickman.

After a short break to recite my mantra, I hunted for IC 2809. It was like diamonds on black velvet. Then, I looked at IC 1603 in Hydra. It seemed fainter than ripples of water. Next, I stumbled upon Abell 7 in Scutum. It was as bright as George W. Bush. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook NGC 2374. It looked exactly like diamonds on black velvet. After that, I studied M 32. It appeared as George W. Bush. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests Abell 32. It looked uncannily like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to NGC 1765. It would be easy to confuse with spent coals, faintly glowing. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see B 414 in Camelopardalis. It somewhat resembled Demi Moore. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified IC 3748. It appeared at low power like the invisible man. Next, I studied IC 2609 in Corvus. It would be easy to confuse with cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I looked at Abell 48 in Ursa Minor. It would be easy to confuse with a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I tried Abell 27 in Camelopardalis. It sparkled like a spitting cobra. After that, I slewed to Abell 5. It looked uncannily like a spider. Next, I found IC 399. It was not quite as bright as dandruff on black satin pajamas.

After a short break to chat, I studied M 89 in Hydra. It compared favorably with smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, I located M 58 in Triangulum. It seemed fainter than all the other smudges I've ever looked at.

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) .

(Don't forget to hit reload.)