My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the current state of world hunger as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 13 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 4. It was better than the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, I had a chance to see Abell 51. It sparkled like a nebula. Then, I observed IC 2103 in Orion. It sparkled like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. With that checked off my list, I located M 108. It appeared as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, I added to my logbook M 26. It looked uncannily like black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I tracked down IC 3603 in Septans. It appeared in the eyepiece like whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident M 97. It was even more difficult than the invisible man.

After a short break to walk around, I glimpsed Abell 40. It appeared as a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for IC 1276. It was easy, just like George W. Bush.

After a short break to listen to Mozart, I nudged my telescope to NGC 6309. It seemed most like a nebula. Then, I looked at Abell 57. It reminded me of yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I tried NGC 4507. It looked like ripples of water.

After a short break to drink a slurpie, I looked at M 74 in Triangulum. It was even more difficult than a glimmer of the Big Bang. After that, I studied IC 2462. It somewhat resembled a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).

After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I accidentally located B 282. It somewhat resembled a cantilever bra. After that, I had a chance to see M 86. It looked exactly like Miss Piggy.

After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I checked off IC 2368 in Sculptor. It looked a bit like desert sand. Next, I located Abell 37 in Antlia. It somewhat resembled diamonds on black velvet.

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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