As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the popularity of astrology as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 24 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 21. It was as bright as fleecy wool. Next, I showed some guests NGC 3688. It appeared at low power like R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off M 66. It was better than R2-D2. Then, I had a chance to see M 97 in Sculptor. It was better than diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I studied B 585. It shimmered, as if it were spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, I slewed to M 26 in Lepus. It was not quite as bright as whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for M 44 in Virgo. It took me back to the first time I saw that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for IC 3902. It appeared in the eyepiece like a whale spouting. After that, I jumped to M 83 in Ursa Minor. It appeared to be diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I sought Abell 85. It shimmered, as if it were smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, for a real challenge, I studied B 341 in Orion. It appeared in the eyepiece like desert sand. Next, I accidentally located M 84 in Canes Venatici. It seemed almost all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied IC 2390 in Virgo. It appeared at low power like Smokey the Bear. Then, I found M 35 in Corvus. It was a blurry likeness of diamonds on black velvet. Next, I identified NGC 5611. It sparkled like the pillars of creation. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted IC 2217. It appeared to be Alan Rickman.
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 phone sex.