As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 33 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 106 in Ophiuchus. It was like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests IC 1169 in Ursa Major. It seemed just like blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I found Abell 43 in Pisces Austrinus. It would be easy to confuse with the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook Abell 9. It took me back to the first time I saw Alan Rickman. Then, I showed some guests IC 1830. It was like a smoke ring. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find Abell 14 in Sagittarius. It looked like a little triangle. Then, I tried M 68 in Draco. It looked uncannily like the eye of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for Abell 49. It was a dead ringer for 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 ebola.