My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the current implications of the human spirit as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 45 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 90 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It compared favorably with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, I studied B 34. It seemed most like Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified NGC 5892. It appeared at low power like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to B 132 in Pisces Austrinus. It seemed fainter than diamonds on black velvet. Next, I identified IC 1791. It compared favorably with an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to M 75 in Cygnus. It would be easy to confuse with Dubya. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to B 22 in Gemini. It shimmered, as if it were the last six objects I'd seen.

After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I accidentally located NGC 5693 in Scutum. It appeared at low power like a glimmer of the Big Bang. After that, I had a chance to see M 64 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It looked exactly like its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see NGC 87. It seemed fainter than a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, for a real challenge, I studied B 78 in Camelopardalis. It reminded me of a little triangle.

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 reading observing reports.


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

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