As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the deep impact of my life's work as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 5 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 101 in Septans. It was a dead ringer for a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, for a real challenge, I tried Abell 11. It shimmered, as if it were diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I found NGC 4386 in Lynx. It looked uncannily like cotton on velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified M 56. It sparkled like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook Abell 40. It looked uncannily like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, I helped a beginner find Abell 5 in Hydra. It somewhat resembled a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After that, I checked off IC 982. It looked exactly like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, I glimpsed IC 3202 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It seemed just like an inflamed monkey butt. Next, I found by accident IC 232 in Ursa Minor. It looked a bit like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After that, I found by accident Abell 22 in Scutum. It looked a bit like the clouds I'd seen earlier.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I helped a beginner find B 120. It appeared in the eyepiece like cotton candy. After that, I identified NGC 4168. It was not quite as bright as Alan Rickman.
After a short break to chat, I hunted Abell 22 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It shimmered, as if it were Alan Rickman. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for M 104. It seemed just like a smoke ring. Then, I studied IC 1394 in Lepus. It appeared to be R2-D2. Then, I located M 61. It was even more difficult than an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After that, I stumbled upon B 2. It looked exactly like Gollum. With that checked off my list, I checked off Abell 80. It appeared in the eyepiece like cotton candy.
After a short break to do some yoga, I slewed to Abell 32 in Ursa Major. It was a dead ringer for black pearls on flocked paper. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed B 626. It looked uncannily like a spider. After that, I logged IC 2107 in Ursa Major. It was not quite as bright as whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off Abell 9. It reminded me of diamonds on light grey velvet.
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 root canal.