My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the insignificance of economic theory 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 38 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 28. It glowed, rather like yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to Abell 54. It was a dead ringer for a spitting cobra.

After a short break to listen to Mozart, I showed some guests Abell 64 in Canis Major. It seemed fainter than fleecy wool. Next, I hunted for M 97. It seemed just like a far-away cloud. Next, I had a chance to see B 203. It was even more difficult than the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I logged Abell 97. It was even more difficult than Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected IC 641. It glowed, rather like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off IC 3419. It looked uncannily like dancing elephants.

After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I sketched IC 712 in Pisces Austrinus. It looked a bit like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, I helped a beginner find B 626 in that confusing part of Virgo. It was even more difficult than the face of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook NGC 693 in Lepus. It reminded me of nothing I'd ever seen before.

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 ebola.


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

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