As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the insignificance of chaos theory 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 58 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 26. It was a blurry likeness of one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After that, I tracked down IC 3201 in Ophiuchus. It was easy, just like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I found by accident Abell 44 in Triangulum. It was like a spitting cobra. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at IC 90 in Scutum. It seemed fainter than the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see IC 1799. It was even more difficult than a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought NGC 4794. It was better than the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After that, I located IC 43 in Gemini. It appeared at low power like lumpy darkness. After that, I found by accident Abell 58 in Sculptor. It looked a bit like a UFO. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook NGC 2020. It appeared in the eyepiece like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, I jumped to B 565 in Camelopardalis. It appeared as a cantilever bra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon M 81. It was as bright as a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located B 424 in Sculptor. It somewhat resembled a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I checked off Abell 94. It somewhat resembled black pearls on flocked paper. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted NGC 5511. It would be easy to confuse with the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to Abell 11 in Sagittarius. It reminded me of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted B 238. It reminded me of smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band.
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 the evening reading blogs.