As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of tight underwear as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 53 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 54. It was like a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. After that, I located IC 883. It compared favorably with a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for IC 1310. It appeared in the eyepiece like cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to M 47. It appeared at low power like black pearls on flocked paper. After that, I nudged my telescope to M 24. It somewhat resembled whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off IC 3801 in Ursa Minor. It reminded me of one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed NGC 576 in Serpens. It compared favorably with the eye of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located M 46. It looked uncannily like Demi Moore.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I glimpsed NGC 6979. It would be easy to confuse with cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I hunted for IC 3689. It took me back to the first time I saw 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to Abell 41. It was a dead ringer for a spider. Then, I logged M 89. It somewhat resembled diamonds on light grey velvet.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I tried M 58. It reminded me of blackness. After that, I nudged my telescope to M 92. It was a dead ringer for cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I accidentally located M 41. It sparkled like Alan Rickman. Then, for a real challenge, I went for Abell 98. It compared favorably with lumpy darkness. Then, I studied B 592. It seemed fainter than R2-D2.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I nudged my telescope to M 92. It was better than its Hubble photograph. Next, I located IC 627. It seemed almost Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at Abell 94. It sparkled like a little triangle. With that checked off my list, I tried B 264 in Sculptor. It reminded me of desert sand. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for IC 2820. It reminded me of spent coals, faintly glowing.
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 hunting with the Vice President.