As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of this Pale Blue Dot we call home 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 53 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 25. It somewhat resembled cream being swirled into hot coffee. After that, I star-hopped to NGC 5212. It was easy, just like a UFO. With that checked off my list, I found Abell 89. It gave the appearance of black pearls on flocked paper. Then, I went for Abell 42. It was as bright as a smoke ring. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon B 221. It appeared in the eyepiece like Alan Rickman. Then, for a real challenge, I identified B 108. It appeared as ripples of water. Next, I sketched B 198 in Scutum. It would be easy to confuse with one of Martha Stewart's doilies.
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 looking at another first attempt to image the Lagoon Nebula.