As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the study of this Pale Blue Dot we call home as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 16 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 58 in that confusing part of Virgo. It was as bright as 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected M 75. It appeared as the last six objects I'd seen. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched IC 1900. It took me back to the first time I saw Santa Claus. Then, I stumbled upon B 496. It somewhat resembled a UFO. Next, I tried B 419. It compared favorably with Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I hunted for B 522 in that confusing part of Virgo. It seemed just like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, I sought NGC 6992. It reminded me of yet another globular.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I slewed to IC 393 in Serpens. It seemed just like the pillars of creation. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for Abell 39. It was as bright as diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located NGC 3912. It somewhat resembled spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I accidentally located NGC 5523. It seemed just like Santa Claus.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I identified IC 2083. It was like Miss Piggy.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I helped a beginner find NGC 5413. It seemed just like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see NGC 2873. It shimmered, as if it were smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, I hunted for M 86. It somewhat resembled a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find B 5 in Scutum. It seemed almost a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Then, for a real challenge, I tried B 304. It sparkled like Santa Claus. Then, I had a chance to see B 188. It seemed fainter than a waterfall.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I identified M 42. It was as bright as a spider. Next, I went for M 21. It reminded me of the eye of God.
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 spending the evening reading blogs.