As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the deep impact of TAC 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 48 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 17. It was easy, just like dancing elephants.
After a short break to check my email, I star-hopped to IC 3951 in Orion. It was not quite as bright as black pearls on flocked paper.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I tried for B 104 in Pisces Austrinus. It was better than Gollum. Next, I logged Abell 80. It seemed fainter than Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out Abell 34. It was better than smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon NGC 919. It looked a bit like an inflamed monkey butt. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located M 27. It appeared as Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for Abell 21. It appeared at low power like fleecy wool. Next, I jumped to B 463 in Sculptor. It seemed almost nothing I'd ever seen before. After that, I logged NGC 1558. It seemed most like diamonds on black velvet. Then, I looked for and suspected IC 2003 in Canis Major. It reminded me of Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off IC 2878. It shimmered, as if it were a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for M 74. It seemed fainter than black pearls on flocked paper. Then, I helped a beginner find M 66. It appeared as a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I found Abell 65. It was easy, just like a spitting cobra. Then, I added to my logbook NGC 3974. It seemed just like Gollum. Then, I star-hopped to NGC 3693. It compared favorably with a cantilever bra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off B 580. It was as bright as blackness. After that, I tried Abell 35. It looked uncannily like diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I found Abell 12 in Ophiuchus. It appeared as the exhaust from a diesel Suburban.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.