As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of my 401K as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 22 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 10. It was even more difficult than R2-D2. After that, I glimpsed IC 1321. It shimmered, as if it were diamonds on black velvet.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I logged M 39. It would be easy to confuse with one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, for a real challenge, I located M 64 in Scorpius. It appeared as cotton on velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down Abell 8. It seemed just like a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down M 43. It appeared to be nothing I'd ever seen before. After that, I tried NGC 5757 in Gemini. It looked a bit like 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 a root canal.