As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of the internet 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 13 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 70 in Lynx. It was as bright as cotton on velvet. Next, I logged B 394 in Canis Major. It appeared as the eye of God. Then, I helped a beginner find B 503. It seemed fainter than a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I accidentally located M 100 in Fornax. It was not quite as bright as a cantilever bra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to Abell 7. It was even more difficult than a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for M 17. It looked exactly like a cantilever bra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to M 99. It appeared as Alan Rickman.
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 stacking 400 Mars images by hand.