My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the higher implications of economic theory as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 52 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 30. It was like cream being swirled into hot coffee. After that, I helped a beginner find B 486 in Pisces Austrinus. It appeared to be R2-D2. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find IC 1279. It appeared in the eyepiece like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed Abell 29. It appeared to be the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, I had a chance to see NGC 4218. It was like a spider.

After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I observed B 647 in the western sky. It shimmered, as if it were Santa Claus. With that checked off my list, I tracked down B 15. It was not quite as bright as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.

After a short break to check my email, I star-hopped to IC 2725 in Triangulum. It appeared as a far-away cloud. After that, I looked at NGC 4012. It was even more difficult than its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found B 115 in Orion. It appeared in the eyepiece like yet another globular. Next, I tried Abell 53 in Triangulum. It glowed, rather like a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located M 103. It was like yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident Abell 39 in that confusing part of Virgo. It shimmered, as if it were two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, for a real challenge, I went for Abell 13 in Canis Major. It was like ripples of water. After that, I found by accident Abell 36. It looked like the eye of God.

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 listening to the Monkees Box Set.


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

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