As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of TAC 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 37 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 14 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It was even more difficult than cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied M 63. It appeared at low power like R2-D2. Next, I glimpsed IC 1625 in Camelopardalis. It was better than blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to M 39. It took me back to the first time I saw Alan Rickman. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off Abell 22 in Canis Major. It seemed just like a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, I found by accident IC 3845. It gave the appearance of a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.
After a short break to walk around, I observed B 328. It seemed just like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. With that checked off my list, I slewed to M 69. It glowed, rather like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for M 71. It was a blurry likeness of cream being swirled into hot coffee. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for NGC 3584 in Orion. It somewhat resembled all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, I identified IC 1854. It compared favorably with dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed IC 31. It sparkled like a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I sought IC 3623. It was not quite as bright as diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out B 549. It seemed most like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident M 41. It appeared as Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted NGC 2054. It reminded me of an inflamed monkey butt. Next, I logged M 29 in Antlia. It reminded me of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
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 Segmentation fault (core dumped).