As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of my 401K 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 25 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 8. It looked like a far-away cloud. Then, I went for B 165. It looked like a nebula. With that checked off my list, I identified M 93. It seemed just like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
After a short break to do some yoga, I checked out M 80. It would be easy to confuse with a whale spouting. Then, I hunted Abell 16 in Perseus. It was better than diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I tracked down NGC 6559 in Canis Major. It sparkled like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I found B 340 in Serpens. It appeared at low power like blackness. With that checked off my list, I identified IC 2872. It was a blurry likeness of whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I looked at B 60. It sparkled like cotton candy. After that, I sought Abell 35. It shimmered, as if it were diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I tried IC 513. It looked uncannily like Demi Moore. After that, I glimpsed Abell 68. It was a blurry likeness of a UFO. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to NGC 4958 in Orion. It reminded me of one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located NGC 3717. It appeared at low power like a cantilever bra. Then, I jumped to Abell 1. It gave the appearance of cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I slewed to IC 342. It took me back to the first time I saw a nebula. Then, I stumbled upon M 83 in Septans. It appeared at low power like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I observed B 326. It sparkled like yet another globular. Next, I showed some guests B 134 in Draco. It was a blurry likeness of Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon Abell 35. It glowed, rather 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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.