As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the current implications of TAC as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 29 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 90. It glowed, rather like cotton candy.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I tried for B 167. It gave the appearance of a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon B 481. It was even more difficult than that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
After a short break to do some yoga, I checked off Abell 79. It looked exactly like the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I found M 82 in Scorpius. It shimmered, as if it were dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to M 57. It looked a bit like fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down M 63 in Lynx. It reminded me of a spider. Next, I stumbled upon NGC 6065 in Sculptor. It appeared as George W. Bush. Next, I checked off M 87. It took me back to the first time I saw the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected B 323. It glowed, rather like nothing I'd ever seen before. After that, I sketched B 618. It seemed just like an inflamed monkey butt. After that, I observed NGC 6964. It was a blurry likeness of the eye of God. Then, I checked off Abell 31. It compared favorably with dandruff on black satin pajamas.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I slewed to IC 3690. It gave the appearance of George W. Bush.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I glimpsed Abell 11. It shimmered, as if it were 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for B 598. It appeared in the eyepiece like the face of God.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I located B 159. It seemed fainter than Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out Abell 39. It was even more difficult than dancing elephants. After that, I jumped to M 20 in the western sky. It appeared to be yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to Abell 87. It gave the appearance of one of Martha Stewart's doilies.
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 looking at another first attempt to image the Lagoon Nebula.