As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of AP Refractors as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 9 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 30. It looked like desert sand. With that checked off my list, I looked at M 97. It would be easy to confuse with dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, I slewed to IC 3047 in Corvus. It appeared in the eyepiece like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, I hunted for NGC 1732. It looked like the face of God. Next, I identified B 616. It would be easy to confuse with spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, for a real challenge, I located M 86. It appeared to be Dubya.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I sketched B 33. It seemed fainter than Dubya. Then, I tracked down NGC 6965. It glowed, rather like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, I tried for B 355 in Virgo. It looked a bit like fleecy wool. Then, I sought M 83 in Pisces Austrinus. It was not quite as bright as diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed M 69 in Scorpius. It would be easy to confuse with black pearls on flocked paper. Next, I tried for B 582. It was like a cantilever bra. Then, for a real challenge, I sought Abell 8 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It seemed most like Demi Moore. Next, I found by accident NGC 941. It appeared as spent coals, faintly glowing.
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 a poke in the eye with a frozen dishrag.