As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of the universe 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 47 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 23 in Canis Major. It seemed just like a UFO. Next, I jumped to IC 3402. It looked a bit like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, I jumped to IC 1405. It looked uncannily like a whale spouting. Then, I slewed to NGC 4621. It was a dead ringer for Alan Rickman. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon M 78. It was a dead ringer for dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, I showed some guests NGC 875. It looked exactly like the face of God. After that, I glimpsed IC 226. It was not quite as bright as an inflamed monkey butt. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook IC 1143. It seemed just like cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out Abell 18 in Lepus. It was a dead ringer for one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, I located Abell 51 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It was even more difficult than lumpy darkness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 19. It shimmered, as if it were dancing elephants.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.