As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the higher implications of the energy crisis as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 27 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 20. It seemed fainter than the last six objects I'd seen.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I located NGC 1770 in Corvus. It was as bright as spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I found M 81. It was a blurry likeness of a waterfall. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at M 24. It reminded me of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I studied IC 3397 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It seemed fainter than a cantilever bra. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down M 101 in Corvus. It looked uncannily like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After that, I glimpsed M 104 in Fornax. It gave the appearance of George W. Bush. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident Abell 24. It was like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, for a real challenge, I tried M 97 in Corvus. It looked like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After that, I accidentally located M 19. It shimmered, as if it were the invisible man. Next, I star-hopped to IC 1344. It looked exactly like Santa Claus.
After a short break to have a smoke, I star-hopped to IC 3595. It took me back to the first time I saw the last six objects I'd seen. Next, I checked out IC 2682. It sparkled like the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at IC 1771. It took me back to the first time I saw Dubya. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to M 79 in Serpens. It was a dead ringer for yet another globular. Next, I observed IC 3367. It appeared as diamonds on black velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found Abell 27. It was even more difficult than a cantilever bra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found IC 3706. It seemed most like all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
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 reading observing reports.