As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 31 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 55. It seemed fainter than the last six objects I'd seen.
After a short break to chat, I tried M 17. It was better than a spider. With that checked off my list, I hunted for B 281 in Hydra. It appeared to be a little triangle.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I hunted IC 466. It took me back to the first time I saw nothing I'd ever seen before. With that checked off my list, I jumped to Abell 46 in Cygnus. It glowed, rather like ripples of water. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon M 97. It took me back to the first time I saw blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected B 580. It somewhat resembled Alan Rickman. Next, I looked at M 36. It sparkled like a smoke ring. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified M 46. It was better than Smokey the Bear. Then, I nudged my telescope to B 167. It appeared as a UFO. Then, I located Abell 35 in Draco. It would be easy to confuse with spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected NGC 6575. It took me back to the first time I saw a far-away cloud. After that, I looked for and suspected M 36. It shimmered, as if it were desert sand.
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 looking at another first attempt to image the Lagoon Nebula.