My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of economic theory as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. 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 38. It gave the appearance of the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to M 13. It was a blurry likeness of whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected M 7. It compared favorably with whipped cream.

After a short break to recite my mantra, I accidentally located Abell 37. It was like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. With that checked off my list, I tracked down M 74. It appeared at low power like Alan Rickman. Then, I checked off M 55. It was even more difficult than an inflamed monkey butt. After that, I sketched IC 1549. It glowed, rather like a whale spouting. After that, I hunted for M 41. It reminded me of Gollum. Then, I tried for B 615. It glowed, rather like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After that, I observed M 34. It would be easy to confuse with diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I went for M 44. It reminded me of lumpy darkness. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for B 353. It was a dead ringer for a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I logged NGC 2201 in Fornax. It looked a bit like Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find M 30. It looked like Miss Piggy. Then, I helped a beginner find NGC 6061. It was even more difficult than spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, for a real challenge, I tried NGC 772 in Ophiuchus. It looked like Demi Moore. Then, I added to my logbook B 394. It would be easy to confuse with cotton candy. Next, I observed IC 3963 in Sculptor. It reminded me of desert sand. After that, I sought M 87. It would be easy to confuse with the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I jumped to Abell 34. It was like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.

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 hunting with the Vice President.


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

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