As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the popularity of the universe as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 39 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 81. It appeared as diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I glimpsed B 491. It shimmered, as if it were diamonds on black velvet.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I observed M 36 in Ophiuchus. It reminded me of the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I located M 42. It seemed just like the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I checked off IC 2629. It seemed most like Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident M 32 in Cygnus. It seemed fainter than Alan Rickman. After that, I studied NGC 438 in Hydra. It was even more difficult than the invisible man. After that, I tried Abell 22. It was even more difficult than its Hubble photograph. After that, I identified B 286. It was not quite as bright as whipped cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected M 28 in Camelopardalis. It appeared at low power like cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook M 102 in Canis Major. It would be easy to confuse with 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 sex.