As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the inner workings of Dilbert 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 44 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 106. It appeared to be a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident Abell 84. It took me back to the first time I saw a nebula. With that checked off my list, I tried M 57. It looked exactly like the pillars of creation. Then, I logged IC 3024. It looked like Dubya. Then, I looked for and suspected M 3. It seemed just like the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched NGC 2041. It appeared as black pearls on flocked paper. After that, I checked out Abell 70. It looked uncannily like Miss Piggy.
After a short break to walk around, I went for NGC 6683 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It compared favorably with the face of God. Then, I helped a beginner find NGC 1838 in Serpens. It reminded me of a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to Abell 98. It was as bright as two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, I tracked down B 23. It somewhat resembled the eye of God. Then, I sought Abell 23. It was like an inflamed monkey butt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to M 41. It glowed, rather like Demi Moore.
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 phone sex.