As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the morality of the energy crisis 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 30 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 5. It was not quite as bright as the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I went for M 96 in Ophiuchus. It was like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook M 56. It seemed most like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought IC 1000 in Serpens. It was a dead ringer for the eye of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to NGC 3670. It seemed almost desert sand. Next, I sketched M 74. It seemed most like spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I checked off Abell 51. It appeared at low power like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I went for M 11. It was as bright as a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests B 306. It took me back to the first time I saw Santa Claus. Then, I logged NGC 6888. It would be easy to confuse with the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see M 80 in Lyra. It looked like a smoke ring.
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 a 24-hour 007 marathon.