As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the current implications of this Pale Blue Dot we call home as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 36 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 104. It sparkled like the eternal nothingness of being. After that, I helped a beginner find IC 802. It was better than its Hubble photograph.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I tried M 16 in that confusing part of Virgo. It seemed fainter than the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I studied IC 1422. It seemed just like Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident NGC 5175. It appeared to be lumpy darkness.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I located M 19. It seemed fainter than 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I observed NGC 3346 in Corvus. It seemed fainter than a smoke ring.
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 Beowulf in Old English.