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 deep mystery of Doonsbury 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 53 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 47. It compared favorably with cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found NGC 5791. It took me back to the first time I saw ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed Abell 44. It sparkled like a little triangle. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed NGC 5540 in Ursa Minor. It was even more difficult than whispy tendrils of nebulosity.

After a short break to cut some cheese, I found IC 3249. It appeared as yet another globular. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests NGC 2577. It was even more difficult than a waterfall. After that, I added to my logbook Abell 31 in Lynx. It sparkled like Demi Moore. After that, I helped a beginner find M 56. It took me back to the first time I saw desert sand. After that, I added to my logbook M 52. It gave the appearance of the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged IC 332 in Serpens. It gave the appearance of spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for B 465. It reminded me of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I helped a beginner find NGC 4641. It seemed most like yet another globular. After that, I sketched B 322. It was even more difficult than two scoops of spumoni ice cream.

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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