My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the study of my life's work as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 19 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 22. It would be easy to confuse with 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I sought M 40 in Canes Venatici. It was a blurry likeness of George W. Bush. After that, I glimpsed Abell 7. It was a dead ringer for the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I identified NGC 5110. It was a blurry likeness of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After that, I looked for and suspected B 194 in Draco. It reminded me of nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests B 117. It would be easy to confuse with cotton candy. After that, I tried for M 50. It sparkled like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I tracked down IC 1009. It compared favorably with the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I sought B 205 in Ophiuchus. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located B 270. It seemed almost a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident M 44. It appeared at low power like the face of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to B 579. It seemed most like yet another globular. After that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 18 in Pisces Austrinus. It reminded me of a far-away cloud. Then, I glimpsed Abell 35 in Fornax. It shimmered, as if it were R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found M 73. It was as bright as black pearls on flocked paper. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 2723 in Canis Major. It was better than cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off NGC 4302. It seemed just like Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged Abell 44 in Ophiuchus. It looked a bit like dancing elephants. Then, I stumbled upon NGC 4647. It glowed, rather like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified B 632 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It reminded me of a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).

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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