My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of Yahoo P/E ratios as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 38 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 83 in Sagittarius. It was easy, just like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, I checked off NGC 622. It appeared in the eyepiece like spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, I checked out NGC 6024 in Ursa Major. It glowed, rather like cotton on velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to IC 1077. It looked uncannily like the eternal nothingness of being. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed B 454 in Ursa Major. It was better than R2-D2. After that, I went for B 255. It seemed just like Miss Piggy.

After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I showed some guests IC 2701. It was easy, just like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After that, I logged Abell 28. It appeared at low power like a spider. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out Abell 48. It appeared as Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located Abell 93 in Sculptor. It was a blurry likeness of a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I sketched Abell 95. It glowed, rather like George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I observed B 543. It looked like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to M 16. It reminded me of the pillars of creation. Then, for a real challenge, I studied Abell 19. It seemed most like a smoke ring. After that, I checked off M 107. It would be easy to confuse with spent coals, faintly glowing. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find M 30. It seemed just like cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I went for B 29. It was as bright as the eternal nothingness of being. Then, I accidentally located IC 806 in Serpens. It sparkled like Gollum.

After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I checked out NGC 5415. It looked like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, for a real challenge, I studied Abell 59. It looked like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, I slewed to M 80. It compared favorably with cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon Abell 74. It looked uncannily like whispy tendrils of nebulosity.

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 cleaning the bathroom.


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

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