As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the popularity of television as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 38 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 35. It took me back to the first time I saw cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to Abell 44 in Septans. It looked a bit like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed M 52. It looked like diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I sought B 450. It was better than whipped cream. With that checked off my list, I checked off NGC 6391. It looked exactly like Alan Rickman. Then, I slewed to B 474. It reminded me of the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I hunted for Abell 87. It reminded me of Demi Moore. After that, I star-hopped to Abell 76. It gave the appearance of dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I looked at M 38 in Virgo. It seemed just like a far-away cloud. Then, I slewed to B 34. It seemed just like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to B 291. It was like Miss Piggy. After that, I hunted M 65. It looked uncannily like cream being swirled into hot coffee. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located IC 3019. It was better than Santa Claus. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied B 405. It shimmered, as if it were a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook Abell 81. It looked exactly like a swarm of bees.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I sought B 397 in Scorpius. It was as bright as the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified Abell 90. It took me back to the first time I saw yet another globular. After that, I looked at M 27. It appeared to be the face of God.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I hunted IC 566 in Cygnus. It appeared in the eyepiece like a spider. Then, I found by accident M 110. It somewhat resembled the pillars of creation. Then, I checked off M 44. It was better than a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After that, I tracked down Abell 6. It would be easy to confuse with a UFO. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook Abell 25. It reminded me of a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I checked off NGC 2248. It looked uncannily like a spider.
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 night watching an I Love Lucy marathon on Nick at Night.