My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of Doonsbury 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 53 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 85 in Ursa Major. It reminded me of whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to M 75. It looked a bit like a swarm of bees. Then, I checked off IC 2023. It somewhat resembled the face of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located IC 2353. It seemed most like diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I studied B 155. It shimmered, as if it were two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to Abell 84. It gave the appearance of the pillars of creation. Then, for a real challenge, I observed IC 3648 in Perseus. It somewhat resembled a UFO. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to IC 1301 in Perseus. It was even more difficult than a swarm of bees. Then, I glimpsed Abell 12. It looked like spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, I nudged my telescope to Abell 81. It was a blurry likeness of spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, I checked off IC 2478. It appeared in the eyepiece like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I sought IC 3185 in Hydra. It appeared in the eyepiece like an inflamed monkey butt. After that, I glimpsed IC 2333. It was easy, just like a cantilever bra. Next, I looked at B 327 in Ursa Minor. It glowed, rather like a cantilever bra. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see IC 3762. It seemed almost the eye of God. After that, I located IC 141 in the western sky. It seemed fainter than a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to NGC 5822. It looked a bit like blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off NGC 2762. It was even more difficult than ripples of water. After that, I stumbled upon IC 2074. It reminded me of Alan Rickman. Next, I located IC 3489 in Canis Major. It would be easy to confuse with Smokey the Bear.

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 fetid Dingo's kidneys.


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

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