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 popularity of TAC 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 48 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 69. It glowed, rather like desert sand. Then, I identified M 19. It appeared at low power like R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I logged IC 3711. It looked exactly like Miss Piggy. Then, for a real challenge, I found NGC 1626. It was even more difficult than dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched M 7. It took me back to the first time I saw a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see IC 2589. It seemed just like black pearls on flocked paper. Next, I sought Abell 30 in Pisces Austrinus. It looked a bit like lumpy darkness. Then, I glimpsed IC 2408. It looked a bit like a little triangle. Then, I hunted for M 17. It took me back to the first time I saw nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried Abell 19. It looked like nothing I'd ever seen before.

After a short break to do some yoga, I sought M 24 in the western sky. It was even more difficult than smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, I studied M 107. It took me back to the first time I saw Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find M 108. It glowed, rather like the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon IC 3300 in the western sky. It seemed most like Smokey the Bear. Next, I logged IC 89. It was a blurry likeness of a UFO. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down IC 1609. It was as bright as yet another globular. Then, I observed NGC 1038 in Fornax. It looked uncannily like the invisible man. After that, I slewed to Abell 20. It gave the appearance of a nebula. Then, I had a chance to see Abell 23 in Ursa Major. It appeared to be George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for Abell 36. It appeared as diamonds on black velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched Abell 55. It appeared at low power like cotton candy.

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 sex.


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

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