As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of Doonsbury 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 21 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 88 in Sagittarius. It appeared to be Santa Claus. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed M 35. It reminded me of the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out IC 159. It seemed most like R2-D2. After that, I nudged my telescope to M 87. It seemed just like Santa Claus. Next, I tracked down IC 1979. It seemed most like ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried IC 751 in Gemini. It appeared at low power like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests Abell 74 in Fornax. It gave the appearance of one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I slewed to B 98. It was better than the pillars of creation. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located NGC 5383. It was even more difficult than cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I hunted Abell 97. It was easy, just like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted Abell 23. It would be easy to confuse with Dubya. Next, I looked for and suspected Abell 84. It appeared in the eyepiece like Dubya. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed B 46. It was better than cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see Abell 28. It looked exactly like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, I stumbled upon IC 1533. It reminded me of spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found M 1. It glowed, rather like R2-D2. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off M 11. It looked a bit like Alan Rickman.
After a short break to check my email, I went for Abell 16 in Fornax. It appeared to be dandruff on black satin pajamas.
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 poke in the eye with a frozen dishrag.