As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the study of economic theory as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 5 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 68 in Serpens. It was as bright as spent coals, faintly glowing. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see B 208. It took me back to the first time I saw Santa Claus. Next, I checked off IC 983 in Septans. It appeared at low power like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, I hunted Abell 51. It appeared at low power like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for IC 216. It was not quite as bright as Alan Rickman.
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.