My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the higher implications of this Pale Blue Dot we call home as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 15 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 70 in Gemini. It was a blurry likeness of cotton candy. After that, I checked off M 35 in Camelopardalis. It seemed fainter than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I went for B 89. It seemed most like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.

After a short break to warm up in the car, I found IC 2397. It was as bright as Gollum. Then, I nudged my telescope to IC 1165. It was a dead ringer for a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied NGC 3940 in Scutum. It seemed just like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After that, I accidentally located M 83. It took me back to the first time I saw the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, I looked at IC 3209. It was even more difficult than the last six objects I'd seen.

After a short break to cut some cheese, I star-hopped to NGC 6196 in Gemini. It was like Demi Moore. After that, I glimpsed M 74. It seemed most like Dubya. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected Abell 23. It seemed fainter than R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook NGC 1710 in Perseus. It took me back to the first time I saw the clouds I'd seen earlier. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests M 91. It sparkled like an inflamed monkey butt. Then, I added to my logbook B 356. It was better than spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I added to my logbook NGC 1114 in Scorpius. It seemed most like a nebula. After that, I hunted B 45. It somewhat resembled ripples of water. After that, I helped a beginner find M 99. It would be easy to confuse with whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I observed NGC 3476. It gave the appearance of desert sand. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see Abell 58 in Camelopardalis. It was as bright as diamonds on black velvet. Then, I checked off IC 1924. It glowed, rather like R2-D2.

After a short break to listen to Mozart, I nudged my telescope to M 106. It looked uncannily like a nebula. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located IC 1433 in Lepus. It shimmered, as if it were a whale spouting. Then, I went for B 4. It reminded me of a whale spouting. Then, I located NGC 1127 in the western sky. It somewhat resembled a swarm of bees.

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 being strapped naked to an anthill.


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

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