My observing report

As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the higher implications of astrology as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 50 telescopes set up.

I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 49. It appeared as 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at NGC 3052. It sparkled like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for B 181 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It sparkled like a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, I tried IC 3391 in the western sky. It somewhat resembled a far-away cloud. With that checked off my list, I went for NGC 6134. It was easy, just like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, I identified IC 741 in Fornax. It was better than cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests B 214 in Antlia. It was not quite as bright as a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I checked off B 608. It was as bright as Dubya. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 3861. It was better than a spitting cobra. After that, I checked off NGC 2348. It was as bright as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I observed NGC 1616. It compared favorably with a swarm of bees.

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 ebola.


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

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