As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the insignificance of economic theory as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 36 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 94. It compared favorably with cotton candy. Next, I glimpsed NGC 5884. It looked exactly like a spitting cobra. Then, I slewed to B 510 in Scutum. It seemed fainter than lumpy darkness. Next, I helped a beginner find NGC 3259. It compared favorably with a nebula. Then, for a real challenge, I went for NGC 3601. It glowed, rather like a whale spouting. Then, I went for B 12. It looked like cotton candy.
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 sitting in a dentist's waiting room.