As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the study of Norse mythology as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. 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 52 in Orion. It seemed most like a cantilever bra. With that checked off my list, I tried for M 106. It was better than the face of God. Then, I added to my logbook IC 941. It appeared to be the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I checked out NGC 6214 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It looked like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for M 87 in Antlia. It glowed, rather like the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for Abell 90. It reminded me of dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I found by accident M 70. It was a blurry likeness of spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, I tracked down B 393. It reminded me of whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I observed B 312. It appeared at low power like a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find M 23. It appeared in the eyepiece like blackness.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I helped a beginner find Abell 28. It appeared in the eyepiece like fleecy wool. After that, I went for M 84. It was easy, just like yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to B 439. It compared favorably with a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed B 589 in Ursa Minor. It was better than a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook Abell 20. It reminded me of a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon B 246 in Gemini. It looked uncannily like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified Abell 64. It gave the appearance of desert sand. With that checked off my list, I sought IC 1543 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It shimmered, as if it were the face of God.
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 taking an elevator during a Stage 3 alert.