As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the higher implications of economic 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 7 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 60. It was easy, just like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off IC 2052. It appeared in the eyepiece like dancing elephants. Next, I tried Abell 79 in Draco. It somewhat resembled a little triangle. After that, I sought NGC 5834. It glowed, rather like ripples of water. Next, I located Abell 97. It reminded me of a UFO. Then, I tried for IC 3965. It appeared to be an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, I hunted M 71. It seemed almost that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to B 360 in Ursa Minor. It was as bright as R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see NGC 1984. It was better than Dubya. With that checked off my list, I checked out B 481. It seemed most like the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off NGC 3081. It compared favorably with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black.
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 phone sex.