As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of the universe 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 47 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 5. It gave the appearance of its Hubble photograph. After that, I identified NGC 4802. It looked a bit like lumpy darkness. With that checked off my list, I hunted for NGC 6189 in Ursa Minor. It was not quite as bright as R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried B 269. It was like a nebula.
After a short break to walk around, I found by accident IC 3233. It seemed almost Demi Moore. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests Abell 28. It appeared in the eyepiece like the eternal nothingness of being.
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 spending a day at the mall with my teenage daughter.