My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of economic theory 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 53 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 102 in Lynx. It seemed fainter than diamonds on black velvet.

After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I checked off Abell 76 in Draco. It seemed almost a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I located IC 790 in Lynx. It sparkled like the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to IC 2909. It looked a bit like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.

After a short break to drink a slurpie, I located B 224. It compared favorably with a swarm of bees. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found M 56. It somewhat resembled cotton on velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to NGC 5079 in Serpens. It was easy, just like fleecy wool.

After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I checked off IC 1144. It appeared as R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to Abell 44 in Sculptor. It was like diamonds on black velvet. Then, I looked for and suspected Abell 46 in Fornax. It took me back to the first time I saw a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to Abell 7. It was even more difficult than a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, I looked at Abell 15. It shimmered, as if it were R2-D2. Next, I checked off IC 3735 in Antlia. It appeared as a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found NGC 631 in Orion. It seemed just like R2-D2. Next, I added to my logbook B 91. It was like two scoops of spumoni ice cream.

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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