My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the current state of underwater basket weaving 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 2 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 40. It sparkled like blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for IC 2703 in Triangulum. It was as bright as black pearls on flocked paper. Then, I star-hopped to NGC 3206. It reminded me of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located B 591. It sparkled like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band.

After a short break to chat, I looked at Abell 82 in Ursa Minor. It was better than Demi Moore. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I jumped to Abell 13. It was like Smokey the Bear. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged M 11. It reminded me of black pearls on flocked paper. After that, I checked out NGC 253. It looked a bit like diamonds on black velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted M 101 in Sagittarius. It appeared in the eyepiece like Santa Claus. After that, I looked at NGC 6213. It glowed, rather like a waterfall. Then, I star-hopped to B 641. It looked exactly like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.

After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I added to my logbook IC 1289. It compared favorably with Gollum.

After a short break to empty my output buffers, I hunted for NGC 1978 in Fornax. It looked uncannily like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After that, I helped a beginner find B 287 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It was not quite as bright as a glimmer of the Big Bang. After that, I looked at B 138. It looked like a glimmer of the Big Bang. After that, I glimpsed IC 968. It seemed fainter than dancing elephants. After that, I had a chance to see B 311 in the western sky. It would be easy to confuse with cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out NGC 226. It somewhat resembled 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted Abell 62 in Orion. It somewhat resembled 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) .

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