As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the current state of this Pale Blue Dot we call home 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 31 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 55. It would be easy to confuse with a cantilever bra.
After a short break to check my email, I located M 92 in Antlia. It looked exactly like Santa Claus. Then, I nudged my telescope to IC 305. It appeared at low power like George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon B 329 in Antlia. It was a blurry likeness of cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I located B 123. It appeared in the eyepiece like Alan Rickman. Next, I sought NGC 3818. It was better than diamonds on black velvet.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I added to my logbook M 61. It reminded me of dancing elephants.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I hunted NGC 7000. It appeared to be dancing elephants. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook B 31. It was better than cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I slewed to Abell 75 in Ursa Major. It appeared at low power like cotton candy.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I observed Abell 70 in Ursa Major. It seemed most like the face of God. Then, I sought NGC 3277 in Serpens. It appeared at low power like Miss Piggy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon NGC 3149. It was like Demi Moore. Then, I found by accident M 37. It seemed fainter than spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off B 530 in the western sky. It was not quite as bright as fleecy wool.
After a short break to chat, I tracked down Abell 64. It seemed fainter than black pearls on flocked paper. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at Abell 20. It was even more difficult than R2-D2. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down IC 871. It was not quite as bright as Miss Piggy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I jumped to Abell 64. It looked exactly like yet another globular. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off IC 2315 in Canes Venatici. It appeared in the eyepiece like fleecy wool. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for M 83. It seemed fainter than a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to Abell 32 in Antlia. It sparkled like 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 poke in the eye with a frozen dishrag.