As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of the human spirit as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 13 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 92 in the western sky. It seemed almost the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected Abell 25. It sparkled like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, I found NGC 2234. It appeared as whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 41. It would be easy to confuse with the face of God.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I stumbled upon B 396. It seemed fainter than blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to M 11. It glowed, rather like a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for NGC 4156. It looked exactly like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to M 34. It was better than a nebula.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I hunted NGC 6738 in Triangulum. It compared favorably with an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at NGC 976. It looked uncannily like the invisible man. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to Abell 65 in Sagittarius. It sparkled like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I located IC 449. It appeared as a spitting cobra.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I looked for and suspected B 187 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It looked a bit like its Hubble photograph. Next, I checked out M 27. It glowed, rather like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted NGC 4656. It was even more difficult than black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected M 48. It seemed just like ripples of water. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find M 65. It was easy, just like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed B 386 in Sculptor. It somewhat resembled a swarm of bees. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I jumped to Abell 20. It looked uncannily like the pillars of creation.
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 ebola.