As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of chaos theory as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 36 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 64. It was not quite as bright as 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After that, I had a chance to see NGC 1892. It looked uncannily like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon IC 2456. It was easy, just like a cantilever bra. Then, I glimpsed NGC 2109. It would be easy to confuse with Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find IC 2155. It took me back to the first time I saw the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at M 70. It appeared in the eyepiece like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident Abell 56. It was a blurry likeness of dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see NGC 3804. It glowed, rather like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I went for B 387. It was easy, just like the last six objects I'd seen.
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.