As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the insignificance of underwater basket weaving as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 58 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 56 in the western sky. It seemed just like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I hunted for B 38 in Hydra. It glowed, rather like a nebula.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I stumbled upon Abell 15. It looked a bit like diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I nudged my telescope to B 556 in Draco. It seemed fainter than George W. Bush. With that checked off my list, I found Abell 3. It was a dead ringer for Miss Piggy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for IC 191. It seemed just like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I sketched B 157. It appeared at low power like a waterfall. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests B 305. It reminded me of a spider. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see IC 2602. It seemed fainter than ripples of water. With that checked off my list, I sought M 90. It was a dead ringer for 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 looking at another first attempt to image the Lagoon Nebula.