As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of TAC 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 38 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 5. It would be easy to confuse with a spider. With that checked off my list, I found by accident Abell 74. It reminded me of diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find M 78 in Canis Major. It somewhat resembled desert sand. Next, I checked out B 300 in Orion. It appeared as smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After that, I checked out Abell 2. It gave the appearance of diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for NGC 1678. It would be easy to confuse with a far-away cloud. Then, I sought NGC 2654. It appeared as all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
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 stale peeps.