As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. 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 58. It took me back to the first time I saw that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, I went for IC 149. It seemed most like a UFO. After that, I sought B 414 in Ophiuchus. It looked a bit like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I found IC 3356. It seemed almost George W. Bush. After that, I sought Abell 1. It reminded me of cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon M 5. It seemed just like a cantilever bra.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I checked off M 15 in Pisces Austrinus. It looked uncannily like a whale spouting. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to B 154. It was not quite as bright as Gollum. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed B 329. It seemed fainter than a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted NGC 617. It appeared to be George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon Abell 99. It was as bright as a little triangle. Next, I glimpsed B 507. It appeared in the eyepiece like a waterfall. After that, I star-hopped to NGC 2984. It appeared at low power like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied IC 1852. It reminded me of cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to IC 3761. It looked a bit like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I located M 5. It seemed almost cream being swirled into hot coffee.
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 night out under the stars with people you hate.