As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of Doonsbury 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 25 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 50. It was better than the invisible man.
After a short break to do some yoga, I looked at B 179 in Canes Venatici. It appeared at low power like spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I sought B 344. It looked a bit like cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected M 77. It gave the appearance of the eternal nothingness of being. After that, I sought B 402. It was easy, just like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. With that checked off my list, I went for M 1. It was a dead ringer for the eye of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off Abell 8. It was even more difficult than a smoke ring. After that, I looked at B 241. It was not quite as bright as cotton on velvet.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I sketched B 53 in Cygnus. It seemed just like Smokey the Bear. Then, I helped a beginner find IC 47 in Pisces Austrinus. It shimmered, as if it were ripples of water. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to IC 2413. It seemed most like a spider. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged IC 2120. It appeared to be Gollum. With that checked off my list, I sought IC 21 in Canis Major. It reminded me of a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I went for IC 3940. It compared favorably with R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to B 564 in Triangulum. It seemed most like R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident NGC 660 in Scorpius. It sparkled like a far-away cloud. After that, I identified Abell 58. It seemed almost Miss Piggy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at M 51. It seemed almost Krylon Ultra-Flat Black.
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 cleaning the bathroom.