My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of world hunger 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 23 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 43. It compared favorably with Alan Rickman. Next, I glimpsed B 520. It looked like cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I tried for NGC 5254. It appeared at low power like Gollum. After that, I star-hopped to NGC 1625. It was better than Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out IC 3431 in Fornax. It was as bright as nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, I hunted IC 1933 in Gemini. It took me back to the first time I saw 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After that, I looked for and suspected NGC 792. It appeared at low power like the eye of God. Then, I tried for M 31. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident Abell 78 in the western sky. It seemed fainter than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I tried for M 104. It seemed almost Santa Claus.

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 cleaning the bathroom.


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

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