As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the current implications of TAC as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 7 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 30 in Sculptor. It was not quite as bright as the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed B 36. It appeared at low power like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After that, I nudged my telescope to IC 2796 in Corvus. It looked like cream being swirled into hot coffee.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I had a chance to see B 163. It was a dead ringer for the invisible man. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon NGC 1820 in Gemini. It compared favorably with fleecy wool.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I showed some guests IC 3464. It was a dead ringer for a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down NGC 5448 in Corvus. It appeared to be Gollum. After that, I checked off Abell 34. It sparkled like diamonds on black velvet. Next, I slewed to Abell 56. It looked a bit like a swarm of bees. After that, I added to my logbook IC 822 in Pisces Austrinus. It was better than dandruff on black satin pajamas.
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 reading Beowulf in Old English.