As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of my life's work 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 5 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 110. It appeared at low power like blackness. Next, I showed some guests Abell 90. It gave the appearance of diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I jumped to NGC 6180. It was even more difficult than an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I located Abell 75. It looked uncannily like yet another globular.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I jumped to NGC 6868. It appeared as desert sand. After that, I looked for and suspected IC 1383 in Canis Major. It looked like an inflamed monkey butt. After that, I showed some guests IC 2756. It reminded me of a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located Abell 91. It was as bright as R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed Abell 13 in Triangulum. It seemed just like spent coals, faintly glowing. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied M 3. It reminded me of the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After that, I identified B 318. It seemed most like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, I accidentally located M 19. It reminded me of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. With that checked off my list, I located Abell 72 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It looked a bit like the face of God. After that, I looked at B 450. It was like lumpy darkness. Then, I sought B 136. It was as bright as a swarm of bees. Next, I helped a beginner find B 63. It looked uncannily like lumpy darkness. With that checked off my list, I tried for Abell 79 in Canis Major. It compared favorably with a cantilever bra. Then, I nudged my telescope to M 35. It seemed most like the eye of God. After that, I sketched B 134. It reminded me of a nebula. With that checked off my list, I observed NGC 1311. It was not quite as bright as all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
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 being ravaged by savage wild wombats.