My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the insignificance of economic theory as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 36 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 26. It was a blurry likeness of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried M 80. It took me back to the first time I saw a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched IC 3461. It was easy, just like the eye of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied Abell 7. It seemed most like the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I helped a beginner find IC 3698. It was like ripples of water. After that, I slewed to M 50. It was a dead ringer for one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected M 4. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud. Next, I logged IC 742. It was even more difficult than desert sand. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located IC 3807. It glowed, rather like spent coals, faintly glowing. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected IC 3192. It appeared to be the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I hunted for NGC 4499 in Pisces Austrinus. It reminded me of that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, I stumbled upon B 620 in Hydra. It shimmered, as if it were 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged B 178. It reminded me of Alan Rickman. Next, I studied Abell 30. It reminded me of Santa Claus. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon IC 1793. It was like dancing elephants. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought M 77 in that confusing part of Virgo. It glowed, rather like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to NGC 169 in Scutum. It was better than cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I observed M 108 in Orion. It reminded me of a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied M 39. It looked like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, I checked off IC 1811 in Fornax. It appeared in the eyepiece like the pillars of creation.

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 reading observing reports.


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

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