As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the inner workings of the human spirit as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 3 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 36 in Ursa Major. It looked like Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified Abell 21. It was not quite as bright as a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, I tried for NGC 6629. It took me back to the first time I saw a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I slewed to NGC 5173. It was like Alan Rickman. After that, I identified M 20 in Corvus. It appeared in the eyepiece like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After that, I tried NGC 3760. It would be easy to confuse with nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, I studied M 22. It seemed fainter than Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched NGC 6819 in Antlia. It sparkled like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I accidentally located M 3. It appeared to be Demi Moore. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find IC 1307. It somewhat resembled that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, I checked out M 38. It was easy, just like a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to Abell 20. It seemed most like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, I glimpsed Abell 90. It reminded me of Dubya. Next, I sought Abell 13. It appeared in the eyepiece like Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I sketched NGC 317. It somewhat resembled a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star.
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 spending the evening reading blogs.