As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the current state of the internet as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 50 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 58. It appeared as its Hubble photograph. Then, I star-hopped to Abell 40. It took me back to the first time I saw cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I checked out M 108. It appeared to be a little triangle. With that checked off my list, I tried for NGC 6254. It was even more difficult than the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to NGC 5140. It glowed, rather like two scoops of spumoni ice 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 a poke in the eye with a frozen dishrag.