As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of this Pale Blue Dot we call home as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 44 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 44. It was even more difficult than all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I accidentally located NGC 2394. It was better than all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, I nudged my telescope to B 268. It looked exactly like diamonds on black velvet.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I had a chance to see M 73. It was better than a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried IC 773. It was as bright as Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed IC 502. It compared favorably with R2-D2. Next, I added to my logbook IC 3945. It was as bright as the face of God. Then, I looked at NGC 4770. It was as bright as a far-away cloud.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I logged IC 3481. It took me back to the first time I saw a glimmer of the Big Bang.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I slewed to M 62. It was like the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied M 65 in Canis Major. It compared favorably with black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I looked at B 306. It looked exactly like a UFO. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected B 85. It appeared at low power like diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted B 648 in Cygnus. It was as bright as Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I sought M 80 in Gemini. It appeared at low power like Dubya. Then, I went for B 277 in Fornax. It reminded me of one of Martha Stewart's doilies.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I located NGC 5017. It reminded me of spent coals, faintly glowing.
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 internet sex.