As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the higher implications of Yahoo P/E ratios 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 25 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 16 in Orion. It was even more difficult than a UFO. With that checked off my list, I found by accident B 510 in Gemini. It was like the face of God.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I tried for NGC 6435. It gave the appearance of spent coals, faintly glowing.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I tried Abell 57 in Corvus. It looked a bit like the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook B 11. It was a dead ringer for a whale spouting. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed IC 1758. It gave the appearance of the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident M 82 in Scutum. It sparkled like Miss Piggy.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I studied Abell 60. It shimmered, as if it were the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched NGC 2714 in Sagittarius. It glowed, rather like yet another globular. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched IC 2420. It appeared to be smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident IC 504 in Triangulum. It reminded me of a little triangle. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for B 421. It compared favorably with the pillars of creation. Next, I helped a beginner find NGC 6509 in Lepus. It seemed just like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off NGC 6334. It appeared to be a little triangle. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon NGC 101. It somewhat resembled a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I jumped to NGC 6401. It was like the eye of God.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I had a chance to see IC 3108. It took me back to the first time I saw lumpy darkness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to IC 1418. It was as bright as the pillars of creation. Then, I found M 35. It seemed almost cotton on 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 night out under the stars with people you hate.