As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the popularity of my 401K as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 41 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 90. It looked uncannily like the clouds I'd seen earlier.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I sought NGC 6604. It would be easy to confuse with lumpy darkness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located Abell 93 in Ursa Minor. It was easy, just like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down B 575 in Scorpius. It reminded me of that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. With that checked off my list, I logged Abell 1 in Sagittarius. It reminded me of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I added to my logbook Abell 93. It appeared at low power like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, I went for NGC 259 in Scutum. It was not quite as bright as the last six objects I'd seen. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for IC 3639. It was a blurry likeness of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located M 42. It was not quite as bright as Krylon Ultra-Flat Black.
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.