As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the higher implications of television 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 46 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 71. It reminded me of whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, I hunted for NGC 864 in Virgo. It reminded me of cotton candy. Next, I studied Abell 18. It was a dead ringer for a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted IC 160. It appeared to be yet another globular. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied M 85. It was like a little triangle. Next, I hunted for NGC 4294. It was as bright as a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected NGC 2480. It was not quite as bright as whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find NGC 4411 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It seemed almost yet another globular.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I glimpsed Abell 90. It was even more difficult than a glimmer of the Big Bang. After that, I studied M 73. It would be easy to confuse with a spider. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed M 63. It shimmered, as if it were lumpy darkness. Then, for a real challenge, I tried IC 2470 in Scorpius. It reminded me of a smoke ring. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to IC 1917. It sparkled like its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook IC 2747. It was like yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I went for B 495 in Canes Venatici. It took me back to the first time I saw Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I went for NGC 1250. It looked a bit like the face of God. Then, for a real challenge, I studied IC 3616. It was better than diamonds on black velvet. Next, I checked out M 2. It appeared to be diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I accidentally located IC 2374. It gave the appearance of yet another globular.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I logged M 78. It would be easy to confuse with Gollum. Next, I nudged my telescope to NGC 3270. It seemed just like a swarm of bees.
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 sitting in a dentist's waiting room.