As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the current implications of the internet as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 23 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 88 in Scutum. It would be easy to confuse with a smoke ring. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests M 10. It took me back to the first time I saw cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I tracked down Abell 68 in Hydra. It somewhat resembled a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected B 528. It was easy, just like Miss Piggy. After that, I studied B 173. It seemed most like a swarm of bees. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted B 391. It compared favorably with a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
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.