My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of astrology 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 3 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 74. It was a dead ringer for the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I jumped to IC 1102 in Ursa Major. It was a dead ringer for yet another globular. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located B 468. It seemed almost the eternal nothingness of being. Then, I hunted M 90 in Ursa Major. It took me back to the first time I saw whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed B 94 in Septans. It looked a bit like Miss Piggy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to IC 3505. It shimmered, as if it were a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I sought M 93 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It looked uncannily like cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought B 395 in Pisces Austrinus. It would be easy to confuse with a smoke ring. Then, I found by accident Abell 63. It looked like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests Abell 2 in Lynx. It appeared in the eyepiece like George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests B 245. It seemed just like a spider. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed B 601 in Fornax. It took me back to the first time I saw a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for B 434. It reminded me of yet another globular.

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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