As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of astrology as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 19 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 36. It glowed, rather like a nebula. With that checked off my list, I slewed to IC 2003. It looked a bit like Gollum. With that checked off my list, I found by accident NGC 643. It gave the appearance of the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I located IC 895. It appeared in the eyepiece like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected M 57. It would be easy to confuse with a far-away cloud. Next, I helped a beginner find B 209. It gave the appearance of a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon B 441. It looked like a swarm of bees.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I looked for and suspected Abell 6 in Orion. It looked exactly like black pearls on flocked paper.
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 phone sex.