As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of economic theory as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 20 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 96. It sparkled like cream being swirled into hot coffee. After that, I added to my logbook Abell 42. It looked a bit like desert sand. Then, I slewed to Abell 10 in Ursa Major. It looked exactly like the eye of God. After that, I jumped to Abell 82. It somewhat resembled yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found M 26 in Lepus. It was as bright as a whale spouting. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted IC 2488. It seemed fainter than dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed B 196. It reminded me of a spitting cobra. After that, I helped a beginner find B 162 in Triangulum. It shimmered, as if it were cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I checked off IC 464. It was not quite as bright as an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I observed IC 3496. It looked like yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I went for IC 3883. It looked exactly like yet another globular. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected Abell 32. It took me back to the first time I saw black pearls on flocked paper.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I tried B 298. It seemed fainter than an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After that, I helped a beginner find NGC 3285. It seemed almost Krylon Ultra-Flat Black.
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 kick in the pants with a copper toed boot.