As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the deep impact of my 401K 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 56. It was a blurry likeness of one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, I checked out NGC 1227 in Septans. It looked like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I accidentally located IC 3008. It would be easy to confuse with ripples of water. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted IC 2939. It took me back to the first time I saw Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find NGC 2690. It looked like a swarm of bees. Then, I accidentally located NGC 837 in Ursa Minor. It was better than a waterfall. Next, I jumped to NGC 5637. It took me back to the first time I saw smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, I checked out NGC 5955 in Orion. It seemed most like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to NGC 3433. It appeared as spent coals, faintly glowing. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook NGC 4090. It reminded me of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, I sought B 2. It glowed, rather like nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, I glimpsed NGC 5408 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It was better than nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, I added to my logbook M 30. It was a blurry likeness of whipped cream.
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 cleaning the bathroom.