As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the current state 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 22 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 59. It reminded me of a swarm of bees. Next, I logged Abell 69. It appeared at low power like a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I located B 581 in Virgo. It took me back to the first time I saw dancing elephants. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out IC 1036 in Septans. It shimmered, as if it were a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Then, for a real challenge, I logged Abell 64. It seemed most like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident Abell 62. It was not quite as bright as fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I checked off Abell 94. It gave the appearance of a UFO.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I stumbled upon IC 1013 in Virgo. It was a blurry likeness of cotton candy.
After a short break to chat, I tried B 239. It was a dead ringer for an inflamed monkey butt. After that, I accidentally located NGC 5501. It would be easy to confuse with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, I hunted NGC 2673. It appeared as one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to NGC 6127. It reminded me of a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook Abell 90. It compared favorably with its Hubble photograph. Next, I showed some guests IC 1253 in Pisces Austrinus. It seemed almost lumpy darkness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off M 55. It appeared to be a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, I observed NGC 2231. It was even more difficult than the invisible man. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon IC 1979 in Canes Venatici. It was easy, just like Alan Rickman.
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 Segmentation fault (core dumped).