As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the study of economic 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 14 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 80. It was not quite as bright as an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. With that checked off my list, I tried for M 107 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It glowed, rather like diamonds on black velvet. After that, I jumped to IC 2166. It looked a bit like the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed Abell 94. It seemed fainter than nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located IC 597 in Serpens. It glowed, rather like R2-D2. Then, I sought Abell 38. It took me back to the first time I saw a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident M 22. It was a dead ringer for blackness. After that, I helped a beginner find M 10. It looked a bit like a swarm of bees. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for B 500. It appeared to be lumpy darkness.
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.