My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the insignificance of the universe as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 4 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 3. It was a blurry likeness of a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to IC 1719. It seemed almost an inflamed monkey butt. Then, I tracked down Abell 35 in Draco. It seemed just like Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find M 58. It gave the appearance of dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged NGC 4696. It took me back to the first time I saw the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out Abell 91 in Scutum. It reminded me of a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I checked out M 42 in Cygnus. It was like diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I tried IC 18. It seemed almost an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for M 99. It appeared at low power like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, I had a chance to see M 37. It sparkled like an inflamed monkey butt. Then, for a real challenge, I studied Abell 15. It would be easy to confuse with the eye of God. Next, I added to my logbook M 19. It appeared to be Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out M 47. It took me back to the first time I saw a UFO. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down B 11. It was a dead ringer for dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, I found IC 807 in Gemini. It glowed, rather like the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I went for Abell 62. It was even more difficult than a cantilever bra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to Abell 30. It seemed almost spent coals, faintly glowing. With that checked off my list, I hunted for Abell 2 in Antlia. It sparkled like lumpy darkness. After that, I jumped to NGC 4677 in that confusing part of Virgo. It seemed fainter than diamonds on black velvet. Then, I hunted for IC 3324 in Corvus. It seemed just like the pillars of creation. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for Abell 59 in Perseus. It was a blurry likeness of Gollum.

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 Beowulf in Old English.


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

(Don't forget to hit reload.)