As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the morality of Doonsbury as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 17 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 80. It reminded me of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought Abell 33. It looked like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, I observed NGC 1142. It would be easy to confuse with yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at B 278 in Sagittarius. It took me back to the first time I saw a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I tried for M 43. It would be easy to confuse with the invisible man. Next, I identified M 88. It seemed most like a nebula. Then, I tracked down Abell 89 in Sagittarius. It reminded me of whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I located Abell 46. It appeared in the eyepiece like dancing elephants. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out B 522 in Hydra. It sparkled like nothing I'd ever seen before. With that checked off my list, I tried IC 2829 in that confusing part of Virgo. It somewhat resembled that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests B 228 in Ophiuchus. It seemed just like spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, for a real challenge, I sought IC 581. It reminded me of cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, I sought IC 2004 in Canis Major. It looked uncannily like the invisible man. Next, I tried B 228 in Virgo. It looked uncannily like diamonds on black velvet.
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 watching an I Love Lucy marathon on Nick at Night.