As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of Dilbert 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 9 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 50. It gave the appearance of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out M 56. It compared favorably with a swarm of bees. Next, I found by accident IC 2105. It reminded me of cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, I studied IC 478. It took me back to the first time I saw dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, for a real challenge, I went for B 260. It reminded me of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, for a real challenge, I found Abell 10. It looked a bit like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, I identified IC 3655 in Ursa Major. It appeared to be a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought M 109 in Draco. It looked a bit like Demi Moore. Then, I sketched Abell 50. It appeared to be desert sand. After that, I showed some guests M 65. It glowed, rather like cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at M 66 in Lynx. It looked exactly like a waterfall. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied B 488. It reminded me of the face of God. Then, I accidentally located IC 3635. It was even more difficult than its Hubble photograph.
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 night out under the stars with people you hate.