My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the higher implications of tight underwear 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 57 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 108. It reminded me of dancing elephants. Next, I star-hopped to NGC 61. It was as bright as cotton on velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see IC 2099. It seemed almost cotton candy. Then, I hunted for M 72. It appeared in the eyepiece like a smoke ring. Next, I tried for M 52 in Gemini. It looked like the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to Abell 90. It appeared as smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to Abell 84. It appeared in the eyepiece like fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to B 545 in Hydra. It looked uncannily like a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to Abell 71. It compared favorably with spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I tracked down M 47. It took me back to the first time I saw a little triangle.

After a short break to chat, I hunted for Abell 13 in Scorpius. It somewhat resembled the exhaust from a diesel Suburban.

After a short break to converse with an owl, I sought B 524. It seemed almost 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 fetid Dingo's kidneys.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)