My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of television as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 31 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 67. It seemed just like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to B 370. It compared favorably with the pillars of creation. Next, I showed some guests Abell 95. It was a blurry likeness of a UFO. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found B 216. It gave the appearance of dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 19. It was a blurry likeness of whipped cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied Abell 18. It would be easy to confuse with a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find M 11. It somewhat resembled the pillars of creation. Then, for a real challenge, I identified IC 2416 in Virgo. It was better than a cantilever bra. Next, I glimpsed B 281. It seemed just like diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I hunted for NGC 237. It reminded me of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located Abell 16. It was like Alan Rickman. Next, I checked off Abell 43. It seemed fainter than Dubya. After that, I had a chance to see Abell 3 in Lyra. It was a blurry likeness of a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for M 23 in Camelopardalis. It looked uncannily like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected IC 383 in Serpens. It sparkled like lumpy darkness.

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 Segmentation fault (core dumped).


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

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