As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the higher implications of underwater basket weaving 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 25 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 15 in Antlia. It reminded me of ripples of water. After that, I showed some guests NGC 4672. It was easy, just like fleecy wool. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found IC 2729 in Lyra. It seemed fainter than an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, I sketched NGC 4006. It seemed most like Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I found B 435 in Lynx. It seemed just like Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out NGC 881. It gave the appearance of an inflamed monkey butt. Next, I tracked down Abell 11. It reminded me of the invisible man. Then, I sketched IC 2665 in Lyra. It was not quite as bright as Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off Abell 9. It looked uncannily like a smoke ring.
After a short break to have a smoke, I tracked down M 98. It was easy, just like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to B 582. It reminded me of a spider. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed B 509. It seemed most like a little triangle.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I looked for and suspected NGC 5202. It seemed most like desert sand. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find IC 2933. It seemed almost its Hubble photograph. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located NGC 2844. It appeared as a waterfall.
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 a night watching an I Love Lucy marathon on Nick at Night.