My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of Dilbert as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 49 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 31. It somewhat resembled the clouds I'd seen earlier. With that checked off my list, I located M 73. It was even more difficult than lumpy darkness. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find B 503 in Lynx. It looked a bit like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After that, I observed M 48. It gave the appearance of smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, I jumped to B 86. It looked like a nebula.

After a short break to chat, I star-hopped to M 99. It shimmered, as if it were Alan Rickman. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident Abell 68. It was not quite as bright as the face of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down Abell 84. It somewhat resembled a spitting cobra. Next, I stumbled upon B 330. It looked a bit like a smoke ring.

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 sex.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)