As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of Plato's Republic 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 49 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 90. It looked exactly like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought M 109. It seemed most like Santa Claus. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find IC 1487. It appeared at low power like lumpy darkness. Then, I went for M 78. It was not quite as bright as the clouds I'd seen earlier.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I studied B 170. It seemed just like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, I tracked down NGC 4695. It glowed, rather like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, I had a chance to see NGC 6584. It took me back to the first time I saw whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests M 87. It looked uncannily like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at IC 443. It looked uncannily like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied NGC 3466 in Canis Major. It compared favorably with whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, I tried NGC 2447 in Sculptor. It was easy, just like the pillars of creation. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests M 44 in Canes Venatici. It looked uncannily like Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 1598. It appeared at low power like the pillars of creation. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off IC 1925 in Corvus. It appeared at low power like the last six objects I'd seen. Next, I stumbled upon M 34 in Ursa Major. It sparkled like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I had a chance to see Abell 48 in Cygnus. It took me back to the first time I saw a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find Abell 53. It reminded me of the face of God. After that, I tracked down B 342 in Scutum. It would be easy to confuse with the last six objects I'd seen. After that, I looked for and suspected B 561 in Draco. It appeared at low power like Smokey the Bear. Next, I checked off M 70. It was better than a UFO.
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 spending a day at the mall with my teenage daughter.