As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning 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 19 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 33 in Lepus. It reminded me of whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, I found by accident NGC 5056. It seemed fainter than dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon IC 2450. It was even more difficult than blackness.
After a short break to check my email, I jumped to NGC 6736 in Fornax. It somewhat resembled the clouds I'd seen earlier. With that checked off my list, I tried for Abell 3. It took me back to the first time I saw a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for M 108. It was like whipped cream. After that, I tried for Abell 70 in Lepus. It looked exactly like a far-away cloud.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I sought NGC 694 in Sculptor. It was a blurry likeness of cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed B 16 in Lepus. It compared favorably with Dubya. After that, I logged B 631. It was not quite as bright as Gollum. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located M 9. It was easy, just like diamonds on light grey velvet.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I checked out Abell 6 in Lepus. It was easy, just like whipped cream. Then, I slewed to M 86 in Gemini. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to B 274 in Scorpius. It gave the appearance of diamonds on light grey velvet.
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 spending a day at the mall with my teenage daughter.