As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the deep impact of astrology as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 54 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 1 in the western sky. It reminded me of a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon Abell 47. It was like a nebula. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find B 556. It was not quite as bright as a waterfall. With that checked off my list, I logged IC 990 in Ursa Major. It compared favorably with its Hubble photograph. Next, I hunted for IC 946. It looked uncannily like cream being swirled into hot coffee. After that, I identified NGC 4922. It seemed fainter than a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find Abell 99. It was a blurry likeness of yet another globular. Then, I studied B 393. It appeared at low power like a swarm of bees. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook NGC 2507. It appeared as a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, I observed M 80. It seemed almost cotton candy. Next, I had a chance to see NGC 5173. It was better than the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I slewed to B 645 in Lyra. It seemed fainter than fleecy wool.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I looked for and suspected NGC 3678. It looked a bit like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.
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 night watching an I Love Lucy marathon on Nick at Night.