As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the study of Doonsbury as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 37 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 24. It was not quite as bright as Santa Claus. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to IC 3433. It appeared to be a smoke ring.
After a short break to do some yoga, I glimpsed IC 3167 in Corvus. It appeared as a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I hunted Abell 76 in Virgo. It looked like diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I sought NGC 1006 in Orion. It appeared at low power like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for IC 3831. It reminded me of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident M 23. It looked exactly like a spitting cobra. Next, I helped a beginner find IC 1855 in Antlia. It appeared at low power like cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests NGC 5577. It appeared at low power like the pillars of creation. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off B 71. It compared favorably with Santa Claus.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I found Abell 46. It took me back to the first time I saw cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, I tried B 460 in Ursa Minor. It somewhat resembled cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out Abell 21. It seemed most like whipped cream. Then, I star-hopped to B 613. It was a blurry likeness of a spitting cobra. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 631. It appeared at low power like diamonds on black velvet.
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.