My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of AP Refractors as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 34 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 80. It took me back to the first time I saw one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought B 429 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It reminded me of the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook B 386 in Canis Major. It looked a bit like black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon NGC 117. It appeared as an inflamed monkey butt.

After a short break to empty my output buffers, I showed some guests Abell 11. It was even more difficult than a nebula. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down IC 305. It was like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I identified B 150. It seemed most like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I checked out Abell 44. It was better than a glimmer of the Big Bang. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for NGC 2041 in Ursa Minor. It was easy, just like its Hubble photograph. With that checked off my list, I logged IC 1882. It was as bright as the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, I identified M 42. It appeared in the eyepiece like a glimmer of the Big Bang. With that checked off my list, I studied IC 1356. It seemed almost an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, I added to my logbook Abell 78. It looked uncannily like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, I studied NGC 6288. It looked uncannily like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed B 415. It seemed almost cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for IC 62. It reminded me of whipped cream. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located B 476. It seemed fainter than cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon IC 266. It appeared to be a glimmer of the Big Bang.

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 getting shot in the face by Dick Cheney.


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

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