As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the inner workings of astrology 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 39. It was a blurry likeness of yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted Abell 68. It appeared at low power like a UFO. After that, I found IC 3946. It glowed, rather like a swarm of bees.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I sought B 180 in Lepus. It was better than two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, for a real challenge, I observed Abell 7. It looked exactly like George W. Bush.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I checked out M 99. It was as bright as diamonds on black velvet. After that, I nudged my telescope to M 77. It glowed, rather like a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I tried M 45. It reminded me of a spider. With that checked off my list, I tracked down Abell 4. It appeared at low power like Alan Rickman.
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 poetry reading marathon.