As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the popularity of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 56 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 1 in Pisces Austrinus. It reminded me of Santa Claus. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests IC 2672 in Canes Venatici. It would be easy to confuse with the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to Abell 55. It shimmered, as if it were dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I added to my logbook IC 532 in Hydra. It was even more difficult than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I studied B 616. It looked exactly like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see IC 2224. It seemed fainter than cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found NGC 1980. It was as bright as the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I studied Abell 48 in Triangulum. It appeared to be a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I helped a beginner find NGC 2013. It was a dead ringer for cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down IC 2320 in Scutum. It appeared as whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought Abell 52. It looked exactly like the invisible man. Then, I hunted for IC 3252. It seemed just like nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, for a real challenge, I studied B 572 in the western sky. It appeared at low power like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. With that checked off my list, I sought NGC 473. It was as bright as the face of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to Abell 45. It was not quite as bright as one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I found by accident IC 519. It compared favorably with a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched NGC 5379 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It looked a bit like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I hunted B 479 in Pisces Austrinus. It glowed, rather like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched NGC 5679. It was like a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for B 239. It was easy, just like Alan Rickman. After that, I added to my logbook Abell 98. It appeared to be diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I sought IC 2196 in Hydra. It appeared at low power like the eternal nothingness of being. Then, for a real challenge, I tried M 38. It seemed almost Santa Claus. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon IC 1825 in Ophiuchus. It seemed just like George W. Bush.
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 phone sex.