As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the study of the universe 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 28 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 19 in Canis Major. It glowed, rather like Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified Abell 26. It appeared as dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I had a chance to see M 11 in Gemini. It reminded me of the pillars of creation. Then, I helped a beginner find Abell 57. It would be easy to confuse with Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I checked out IC 588 in Perseus. It was not quite as bright as that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, I sought Abell 85. It seemed just like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I sought Abell 17. It looked uncannily like the invisible man. Then, I looked at IC 8 in Gemini. It seemed most like cream being swirled into hot coffee. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried NGC 4547 in Sculptor. It looked uncannily like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, I hunted for Abell 4 in Pisces Austrinus. It seemed most like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I observed Abell 80. It shimmered, as if it were a cantilever bra. With that checked off my list, I found NGC 2707 in Hydra. It shimmered, as if it were fleecy wool. After that, I sought NGC 2461 in Sculptor. It sparkled like Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for IC 3365. It appeared at low power like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched IC 1013 in Fornax. It was as bright as its Hubble photograph. Next, I sketched IC 1345. It seemed fainter than Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for Abell 58. It took me back to the first time I saw Alan Rickman. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident Abell 96. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud. Next, I tracked down IC 863 in Corvus. It seemed just like blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident Abell 67. It was even more difficult than yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged B 553. It would be easy to confuse with a little triangle.
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 fetid Dingo's kidneys.