As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of the universe as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 29 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 51 in Ophiuchus. It appeared to be smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried IC 2650. It looked like fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I studied NGC 2294. It appeared to be the last six objects I'd seen. After that, I identified NGC 6671. It appeared as Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected NGC 1572. It reminded me of a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident B 369. It was easy, just like a spider.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I nudged my telescope to Abell 67. It was as bright as that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, for a real challenge, I went for M 89 in Sagittarius. It took me back to the first time I saw Santa Claus. After that, I studied IC 3665. It somewhat resembled Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought B 548. It was as bright as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I stumbled upon Abell 30. It took me back to the first time I saw a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out B 258. It would be easy to confuse with a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook M 66. It looked a bit like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, I found by accident B 28. It glowed, rather like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, I had a chance to see NGC 2184. It was not quite as bright as a spider. After that, I found by accident IC 1228 in Fornax. It looked uncannily like black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted NGC 4610 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It looked a bit like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, I looked at B 500 in Sagittarius. It was easy, just like diamonds on black velvet.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I accidentally located IC 1204. It was even more difficult than a swarm of bees.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.