My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of Norse mythology as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 48 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 42. It somewhat resembled the eternal nothingness of being. With that checked off my list, I sketched NGC 5921. It seemed almost all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I checked out B 292. It appeared at low power like Smokey the Bear.

After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I glimpsed B 319. It was a dead ringer for dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I stumbled upon NGC 4038. It reminded me of two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook Abell 11. It was easy, just like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched M 83. It was even more difficult than two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook Abell 92 in Hydra. It reminded me of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I nudged my telescope to NGC 5794 in Hydra. It somewhat resembled spent coals, faintly glowing.

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 getting shot in the face by Dick Cheney.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)