As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the popularity of TAC as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 54 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 53. It compared favorably with a waterfall.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I found by accident IC 2286 in Draco. It appeared in the eyepiece like a cantilever bra. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed Abell 13. It sparkled like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see NGC 4297 in Scorpius. It somewhat resembled George W. Bush. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to Abell 32 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It gave the appearance of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon B 425. It looked a bit like a nebula.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I tried NGC 3698. It shimmered, as if it were a smoke ring. Next, I showed some guests M 56. It was even more difficult than Miss Piggy. Next, I sketched NGC 2981. It would be easy to confuse with black pearls on flocked paper.
After a short break to have a smoke, I slewed to NGC 6110. It was easy, just like ripples of water. Next, I helped a beginner find IC 2075. It reminded me of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After that, I stumbled upon M 85 in Ophiuchus. It reminded me of a UFO. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests NGC 4070. It was a dead ringer for all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I studied NGC 4257 in Lepus. It was a dead ringer for Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, I tried for NGC 517. It was not quite as bright as R2-D2.
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 stacking 400 Mars images by hand.