As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the higher implications of tight underwear as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 1 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 13. It seemed most like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I located B 589 in Lynx. It was better than an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I checked out NGC 2368. It was easy, just like R2-D2. Then, I studied B 570 in Serpens. It looked like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down M 5. It was even more difficult than the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I identified NGC 213 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It somewhat resembled a UFO. After that, I studied B 386 in Cygnus. It was even more difficult than a spitting cobra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to B 488 in Virgo. It took me back to the first time I saw a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I jumped to IC 3254 in Cygnus. It was as bright as dancing elephants.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I sketched IC 2973. It shimmered, as if it were diamonds on black velvet. After that, I sought IC 2052. It seemed most like a spider.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I tracked down Abell 18 in the western sky. It was easy, just like dancing elephants.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I found NGC 6959. It was as bright as its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched M 11. It seemed just like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. With that checked off my list, I tried for Abell 1. It appeared at low power like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I sought M 10 in the western sky. It seemed most like a cantilever bra. Next, I glimpsed Abell 29. It would be easy to confuse with the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off NGC 2699. It seemed almost Demi Moore.
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 24-hour 007 marathon.