As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of the internet as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 27 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 22. It looked exactly like ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to NGC 293. It reminded me of a cantilever bra.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I tracked down Abell 74 in Canis Major. It was easy, just like a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I found NGC 6814 in Hydra. It was as bright as its Hubble photograph. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to IC 1160. It was better than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).
After a short break to have a smoke, I found IC 2431. It appeared in the eyepiece like desert sand. Next, I logged B 386. It somewhat resembled an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to IC 3884. It looked a bit like Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for NGC 5955. It shimmered, as if it were dancing elephants. After that, I hunted for NGC 1715. It appeared to be Gollum. Next, I checked off M 77. It seemed almost Alan Rickman. Then, for a real challenge, I observed M 53. It was a dead ringer for a cantilever bra. After that, I sought Abell 91. It glowed, rather like the face of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find B 610. It appeared to be the face of God. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook Abell 49 in that confusing part of Virgo. It shimmered, as if it were a whale spouting. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to B 179. It looked exactly like a little triangle. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought Abell 10. It was like cotton candy. Next, I helped a beginner find Abell 28 in Hydra. It was as bright as George W. Bush. Next, I found by accident Abell 48. It was not quite as bright as cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for B 511 in Ophiuchus. It was like desert sand. Next, I sketched M 23 in Corvus. It was better than George W. Bush. After that, I checked off NGC 1462. It seemed almost a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, I helped a beginner find M 7. It seemed most like a nebula. After that, I identified M 25 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It appeared at low power like the eternal nothingness of being.
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 root canal.