As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the study of my 401K as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 33 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 23 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It took me back to the first time I saw that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I jumped to IC 534 in Cygnus. It looked uncannily like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located Abell 47. It shimmered, as if it were Smokey the Bear. After that, I star-hopped to B 469 in that confusing part of Virgo. It was even more difficult than Dubya. After that, I sought IC 3321. It seemed just like the eye of God. Then, I nudged my telescope to B 232. It was even more difficult than a spitting cobra. After that, I showed some guests B 501 in Camelopardalis. It was easy, just like Dubya. Then, I logged B 327. It looked exactly like diamonds on black velvet. After that, I showed some guests IC 1724. It seemed just like black pearls on flocked paper. Next, I nudged my telescope to NGC 3662. It was like black pearls on flocked paper.
After a short break to have a smoke, I logged Abell 77. It looked uncannily like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, I sought M 69. It seemed just like a spider. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at Abell 89. It appeared as the eye of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought IC 3939 in that confusing part of Virgo. It seemed most like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out B 359. It appeared in the eyepiece like cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged Abell 73 in that confusing part of Virgo. It compared favorably with diamonds on light grey velvet.
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.