As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the current state of astrology as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 36 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 56. It appeared in the eyepiece like spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I checked out B 506. It compared favorably with cotton on velvet.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I sketched NGC 2025 in Sculptor. It was easy, just like the eye of God. Next, I hunted for B 116. It shimmered, as if it were the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I identified NGC 1739 in Pisces Austrinus. It looked a bit like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, for a real challenge, I went for M 97 in Fornax. It was as bright as lumpy darkness.
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 fetid Dingo's kidneys.