My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the morality of Doonsbury 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 2 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 76 in Scorpius. It seemed almost Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I tried B 90. It sparkled like Miss Piggy. After that, I nudged my telescope to B 467. It shimmered, as if it were cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for M 102 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It was better than a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at B 298. It looked a bit like cotton candy. After that, I slewed to M 107 in Serpens. It seemed just like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I logged IC 2857. It seemed fainter than a spider. Then, I star-hopped to NGC 6071 in Orion. It took me back to the first time I saw a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I observed IC 1764. It appeared in the eyepiece like a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I located B 597. It looked a bit like yet another globular. Next, I identified IC 1063. It compared favorably with a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see IC 3816 in Lynx. It was better than Smokey the Bear. Then, I checked out IC 1934. It seemed almost diamonds on light grey velvet.

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 stale peeps.


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

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