As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of Norse mythology 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 51 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 90. It was better than its Hubble photograph.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I glimpsed M 108 in Ursa Minor. It was as bright as black pearls on flocked paper. Next, I star-hopped to M 48. It was a blurry likeness of an inflamed monkey butt. Then, I slewed to M 5. It compared favorably with the invisible man. Then, I found Abell 44. It glowed, rather like Alan Rickman. After that, I accidentally located NGC 3886. It reminded me of Gollum. Then, I hunted for IC 163. It was as bright as a nebula. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see IC 503. It seemed most like Demi Moore. Next, I helped a beginner find Abell 83. It gave the appearance of a cantilever bra. After that, I sketched IC 3607 in Scorpius. It was even more difficult than 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 24-hour 007 marathon.