As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of Dilbert as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 43 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 107 in Orion. It was not quite as bright as that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected NGC 1947. It sparkled like a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed Abell 5. It gave the appearance of a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see M 81. It was even more difficult than the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I tried for NGC 1484. It was even more difficult than diamonds on black velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at M 70. It appeared to be black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see IC 2681. It gave the appearance of the face of God. Next, I tried for Abell 61 in Lepus. It was easy, just like a nebula. With that checked off my list, I located B 468 in Scorpius. It was as bright as the last six objects I'd seen. Next, I star-hopped to IC 460. 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 Abell 13. It seemed just like the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I jumped to NGC 1736. It glowed, rather like Miss Piggy.
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 stale peeps.