As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the current state of this Pale Blue Dot we call home as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 57 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 110. It reminded me of two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located M 27 in Camelopardalis. It reminded me of a glimmer of the Big Bang. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for M 33. It shimmered, as if it were the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I identified IC 40. It seemed just like R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified IC 3012. It looked exactly like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I logged NGC 1432. It appeared as Miss Piggy.
After a short break to chat, I looked for and suspected M 36. It was like a little triangle. Next, I glimpsed IC 18. It was a blurry likeness of black pearls on flocked paper. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected B 528. It seemed fainter than a cantilever bra. With that checked off my list, I found by accident M 17. It appeared at low power like Santa Claus.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I located NGC 3623. It gave the appearance of a swarm of bees. Next, I logged M 109. It was easy, just like a smoke ring.
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 phone sex.