As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of Plato's Republic 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 49 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 70 in Lyra. It was even more difficult than nothing I'd ever seen before. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located M 55 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It sparkled like a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found B 602. It reminded me of blackness. After that, I helped a beginner find B 408. It sparkled like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied NGC 4238 in Canis Major. It was as bright as fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I logged NGC 6399. It seemed just like the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought B 90. It appeared at low power like the eye of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied Abell 42. It was as bright as nothing I'd ever seen before. After that, I slewed to NGC 2116. It was better than dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests Abell 54 in that confusing part of Virgo. It looked exactly like fleecy wool. After that, I identified NGC 937 in Pisces Austrinus. It looked uncannily like yet another globular. After that, I added to my logbook Abell 44. It was easy, just like Miss Piggy.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I found M 58. It compared favorably with Alan Rickman.
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 hunting with the Vice President.