As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the higher implications of my 401K 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 54 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 93. It looked exactly like Dubya. Then, for a real challenge, I identified NGC 4156. It somewhat resembled desert sand. After that, I checked out NGC 4579. It was as bright as a smoke ring. With that checked off my list, I sketched Abell 46. It was even more difficult than an inflamed monkey butt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located IC 1733. It reminded me of Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I hunted Abell 36. It seemed most like a smoke ring. Next, I found NGC 2059 in Scutum. It was a blurry likeness of George W. Bush. Next, I observed M 77 in Septans. It looked exactly like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After that, I checked off Abell 99 in Sagittarius. It looked uncannily like a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged NGC 6579. It reminded me of Dubya.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.