As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the higher implications of astrology 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 50 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 49. It appeared as 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at NGC 3052. It sparkled like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for B 181 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It sparkled like a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, I tried IC 3391 in the western sky. It somewhat resembled a far-away cloud. With that checked off my list, I went for NGC 6134. It was easy, just like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, I identified IC 741 in Fornax. It was better than cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests B 214 in Antlia. It was not quite as bright as a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I checked off B 608. It was as bright as Dubya. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 3861. It was better than a spitting cobra. After that, I checked off NGC 2348. It was as bright as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I observed NGC 1616. It compared favorably with 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 ebola.