My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the study of my 401K as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 41 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 65. It glowed, rather like the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out IC 3143. It looked like an inflamed monkey butt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident M 22 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It appeared at low power like ripples of water. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to M 107. It was better than Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located NGC 2220. It appeared as dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I had a chance to see M 1 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It took me back to the first time I saw the face of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried IC 3671 in that confusing part of Virgo. It was a blurry likeness of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After that, I added to my logbook Abell 80. It was like a swarm of bees. Then, I had a chance to see Abell 66. It appeared to be Gollum. Then, I had a chance to see IC 3245 in Sculptor. It appeared as the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I identified B 492 in Scorpius. It looked a bit like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I helped a beginner find B 105. It looked exactly like the pillars of creation. After that, I star-hopped to IC 1633. It took me back to the first time I saw Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook IC 389. It appeared as a UFO. Then, I hunted for NGC 4322. It compared favorably with cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to Abell 37. It looked like dandruff on black satin pajamas.

After a short break to drink a slurpie, I nudged my telescope to IC 2006. It was better than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied M 90. It gave the appearance of dancing elephants.

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 spending the evening reading blogs.


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

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