As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the current implications of chaos theory 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 16 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 102 in Scutum. It seemed just like Dubya.
After a short break to check my email, I sought B 412 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It looked exactly like desert sand. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident Abell 82 in Ophiuchus. It took me back to the first time I saw the face of God. After that, I hunted for IC 2049. It took me back to the first time I saw the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed NGC 3108. It shimmered, as if it were lumpy darkness. With that checked off my list, I studied IC 1490. It was as bright as lumpy darkness. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected IC 320. It was like diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon Abell 22. It looked a bit like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After that, I star-hopped to B 192 in Virgo. It was easy, just like cotton candy. After that, I found Abell 92 in Lyra. It gave the appearance of a swarm of bees. After that, I found by accident NGC 5262 in Scorpius. It appeared at low power like a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to Abell 76 in Antlia. It appeared as smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I studied M 17. It appeared in the eyepiece like all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
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 being strapped naked to an anthill.