As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the current implications of cosmology as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 39 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 108 in Septans. It looked exactly like the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I jumped to Abell 16. It was a dead ringer for nothing I'd ever seen before. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests IC 434. It appeared to be the pillars of creation. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find B 337 in Scorpius. It took me back to the first time I saw a spitting cobra.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I accidentally located M 32. It looked exactly like blackness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident NGC 4320. It glowed, rather like a smoke ring.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I showed some guests NGC 2000. It seemed fainter than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
After a short break to check my email, I showed some guests IC 1919 in Camelopardalis. It was better than a nebula.
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 being strapped naked to an anthill.