As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the morality of Norse mythology as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 59 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 21. It would be easy to confuse with its Hubble photograph. Then, I went for B 538. It seemed most like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I went for NGC 2252 in Gemini. It was a dead ringer for the eye of God. Next, I had a chance to see Abell 23 in Lepus. It was as bright as Alan Rickman. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for IC 3211. It was not quite as bright as whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.