My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the inner workings of this Pale Blue Dot we call home as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 40 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 67. It was as bright as the pillars of creation. Next, I found by accident M 83 in Fornax. It reminded me of diamonds on black velvet.

After a short break to walk around, I studied B 83. It shimmered, as if it were dancing elephants. After that, I looked for and suspected Abell 96. It looked exactly like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located Abell 33. It looked exactly like R2-D2. Then, I checked out M 33. It reminded me of George W. Bush. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed NGC 2351. It was a blurry likeness of a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, I sought M 65. It would be easy to confuse with a cantilever bra. Then, I identified NGC 4194. It was not quite as bright as a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I looked for and suspected IC 190. It seemed most like a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected NGC 250 in Lynx. It sparkled like the face of God. Next, I checked off M 54 in Pisces Austrinus. It seemed fainter than a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I tried NGC 3206. It somewhat resembled the eye of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to Abell 37 in the western sky. It gave the appearance of cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I studied IC 2133 in Ophiuchus. It compared favorably with a whale spouting.

After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I showed some guests IC 1403 in Perseus. It reminded me of the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I logged B 334. It was easy, just like the pillars of creation. After that, I tried for B 476. It was as bright as all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried NGC 4915. It reminded me of ripples of water.

After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I showed some guests NGC 4482 in Serpens. It appeared to be a nebula. After that, I accidentally located M 24. It reminded me of Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 48. It shimmered, as if it were spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I star-hopped to M 38. It looked like desert sand.

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 listening to the Monkees Box Set.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)