As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of this Pale Blue Dot we call home 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 30 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 45. It compared favorably with a UFO. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located Abell 84. It seemed most like a UFO. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located NGC 1892. It was a blurry likeness of spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I located B 435. It compared favorably with Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident IC 1106. It was even more difficult than desert sand. With that checked off my list, I identified M 51. It seemed almost its Hubble photograph. Then, I looked for and suspected M 31 in Sagittarius. It appeared as Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I studied Abell 28. It looked like diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find IC 1690. It glowed, rather like Dubya. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to NGC 1047. It would be easy to confuse with a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at Abell 29. It shimmered, as if it were an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find Abell 3 in Septans. It was like cotton candy. After that, I glimpsed NGC 695. It was easy, just like a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to NGC 3415. It appeared as cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found B 449. It seemed fainter than the pillars of creation.
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 day out under the hot sun with bitter enemies.