As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of TAC as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 5 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 85 in Corvus. It took me back to the first time I saw diamonds on black velvet. After that, I checked out M 66 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It seemed just like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought M 54. It reminded me of Gollum. After that, I helped a beginner find NGC 4232. It reminded me of nothing I'd ever seen before.
After a short break to have a smoke, I located Abell 82. It seemed fainter than an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out M 61 in Corvus. It appeared to be whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, I slewed to IC 326. It appeared at low power like nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, I tried for IC 3872. It reminded me of cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found IC 3724. It would be easy to confuse with a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I logged NGC 5598. It reminded me of Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I went for IC 2679 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It reminded me of Alan Rickman. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out Abell 64. It was a blurry likeness of that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located B 12 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It looked exactly like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down NGC 3925 in Fornax. It sparkled like a spitting cobra. Then, I identified Abell 86. It was as bright as dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, I tried Abell 13. It seemed almost cream being swirled into hot coffee. After that, I logged B 80. It looked a bit like whipped cream. Next, I had a chance to see Abell 60. It compared favorably with diamonds on black velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched NGC 1651. It was not quite as bright as a smoke ring. After that, I found by accident Abell 22. It gave the appearance of cream being swirled into hot coffee.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I helped a beginner find Abell 52. It looked a bit like Dubya.
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 hot poker rammed up your nose.