As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of world hunger 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 55 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 49 in Canis Major. It seemed just like black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I logged Abell 66. It was easy, just like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 2109. It sparkled like a far-away cloud.
After a short break to do some yoga, I looked at IC 855 in Ursa Minor. It shimmered, as if it were yet another globular. Next, I found Abell 42. It was as bright as lumpy darkness. After that, I had a chance to see M 56 in Canes Venatici. It looked a bit like the invisible man. After that, I studied NGC 6398. It seemed almost diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched B 510 in that confusing part of Virgo. It appeared to be the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I star-hopped to IC 1444. It compared favorably with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, I star-hopped to NGC 4777. It reminded me of Gollum. With that checked off my list, I looked at NGC 382. It compared favorably with smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down NGC 3309. It appeared in the eyepiece like R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I jumped to M 13 in Serpens. It was like R2-D2.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I looked at NGC 2728. It looked exactly like a little triangle.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I checked off B 451. It took me back to the first time I saw 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at M 47. It was easy, just like a nebula. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find IC 656. It seemed just like the pillars of creation.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I accidentally located IC 1508 in Cygnus. It looked a bit like Smokey the Bear. After that, I observed IC 2090 in Serpens. It looked like diamonds on black velvet. Then, I located NGC 299. It reminded me of a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I hunted for NGC 6744. It was a blurry likeness of a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to IC 3969. It was as bright as 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
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.