As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the deep impact 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 1 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 69. It seemed fainter than dancing elephants. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out Abell 84. It reminded me of that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I went for NGC 5699. It reminded me of a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down IC 3927 in Sculptor. It seemed most like dancing elephants. Then, I tried for NGC 353. It was a dead ringer for the clouds I'd seen earlier.
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 internet sex.