As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of TAC 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 10 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 103. It gave the appearance of spent coals, faintly glowing.
After a short break to check my email, I located IC 2420. It was not quite as bright as Demi Moore. With that checked off my list, I sought NGC 3465 in Gemini. It was a dead ringer for dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted B 85. It shimmered, as if it were cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for M 82. It appeared in the eyepiece like Alan Rickman.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I tried for NGC 1267 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It seemed fainter than desert sand.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I looked for and suspected B 400. It was better than Alan Rickman. Then, I helped a beginner find IC 2015 in Sagittarius. It reminded me of a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I went for NGC 3429. It looked like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I tried NGC 6202 in Sagittarius. It compared favorably with a UFO. After that, I located M 71. It was a dead ringer for cream being swirled into hot coffee. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for M 91 in Canis Major. It seemed almost Dubya.
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 sex.