My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the deep impact of AP Refractors 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 30 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 69. It was a dead ringer for Santa Claus. With that checked off my list, I hunted Abell 96. It seemed almost cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at NGC 4965. It looked exactly like cotton on velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected IC 3398 in Pisces Austrinus. It took me back to the first time I saw whipped cream.

After a short break to do some yoga, I star-hopped to B 31. It was not quite as bright as fleecy wool. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located M 27. It shimmered, as if it were Smokey the Bear.

After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I star-hopped to Abell 63. It reminded me of a swarm of bees. Next, I stumbled upon B 452. It somewhat resembled George W. Bush. After that, I sketched IC 2161. It appeared to be cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located IC 1441. It seemed almost smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After that, I found NGC 6546 in Pisces Austrinus. It compared favorably with a spider. Next, I found by accident IC 3042. It looked like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.

After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I tracked down Abell 60. It seemed just like a cantilever bra. After that, I looked at B 272 in Scutum. It would be easy to confuse with Smokey the Bear.

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 being ravaged by savage wild wombats.


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

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