As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of this Pale Blue Dot we call home as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 10 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 11. It seemed fainter than the invisible man. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see B 479. It was easy, just like cotton candy. Next, I hunted M 53 in Virgo. It sparkled like R2-D2. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought NGC 973. It was not quite as bright as spent coals, faintly glowing.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I hunted for B 176. It compared favorably with desert sand.
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.