As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of television 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 28 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 107 in Pisces Austrinus. It was as bright as a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, I tracked down Abell 69 in Canis Major. It was not quite as bright as Gollum. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for IC 3414. It seemed fainter than Alan Rickman. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged NGC 790. It was a dead ringer for a spitting cobra. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off NGC 3656 in Scutum. It reminded me of black pearls on flocked paper. After that, I sought NGC 5347. It somewhat resembled spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I had a chance to see NGC 3052. It was easy, just like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After that, I helped a beginner find M 31. It somewhat resembled a glimmer of the Big Bang.
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 taking an elevator during a Stage 3 alert.