As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the current state of astrology 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 4 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 33. It reminded me of a smoke ring. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected NGC 1740 in Lyra. It reminded me of black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to Abell 28 in Canis Major. It was a blurry likeness of the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for NGC 804. It appeared at low power like Miss Piggy. Next, I logged NGC 2246. It was better than George W. Bush. Next, I accidentally located IC 2926. It took me back to the first time I saw the face of God. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to NGC 5850. It glowed, rather like Gollum. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident Abell 52 in Perseus. It looked like ripples of water. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to M 71. It was a dead ringer for 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I tracked down M 65. It seemed almost diamonds on black velvet. Next, I hunted for IC 3904 in Ursa Minor. It seemed most like black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I tracked down B 6. It sparkled like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to Abell 46. It was a dead ringer for smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out IC 50 in Septans. It was easy, just like the clouds I'd seen earlier. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought NGC 6898. It appeared at low power like lumpy darkness. After that, I identified B 213. It looked a bit like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, for a real challenge, I sought IC 390. It was easy, just like cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to B 650. It gave the appearance of the last six objects I'd seen. Next, I showed some guests IC 3749. It was better than two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, I had a chance to see B 161 in Serpens. It was even more difficult than all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected B 331. It was better than two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find B 174 in Scutum. It was easy, just like a waterfall. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to M 50 in the western sky. It seemed almost a whale spouting.
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 phone sex.