As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of underwater basket weaving as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 53 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 7. It seemed almost a nebula.
After a short break to chat, I tracked down NGC 3710. It appeared as a whale spouting. Then, I found B 342. It appeared as a smoke ring. After that, I identified B 531. It seemed almost dancing elephants. Then, I helped a beginner find NGC 4485. It looked uncannily like the last six objects I'd seen.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I glimpsed M 14. It looked exactly like Gollum. After that, I jumped to B 94 in Lyra. It took me back to the first time I saw a far-away cloud. After that, I observed Abell 87 in Cygnus. It was not quite as bright as whipped cream. Then, I stumbled upon B 614. It seemed most like a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I went for IC 3593 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It seemed almost R2-D2. After that, I helped a beginner find M 50. It was even more difficult than Santa Claus. Then, I tried for NGC 897. It somewhat resembled a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I sought M 47. It reminded me of Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I located M 88 in Canes Venatici. It sparkled like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I showed some guests Abell 79 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It was a dead ringer for a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I logged M 98. It looked like cotton on velvet.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I identified M 16. It seemed fainter than R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located M 58 in Triangulum. It looked uncannily like the face of God. Next, I observed M 82. It somewhat resembled a swarm of bees. Next, I sketched NGC 594. It sparkled like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located B 557. It looked uncannily like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After that, I accidentally located B 598. It looked like the last six objects I'd seen.
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 cleaning the bathroom.