As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the higher implications of this Pale Blue Dot we call home as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 3 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 45. It was as bright as the pillars of creation. Then, I tried for NGC 5859. It seemed almost Miss Piggy. Next, I hunted for M 26. It looked like diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located Abell 50. It took me back to the first time I saw dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I slewed to M 28. It looked uncannily like the clouds I'd seen earlier. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched Abell 24. It took me back to the first time I saw two scoops of spumoni ice cream.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I sketched NGC 473. It reminded me of diamonds on black velvet. Next, I found M 19 in Lynx. It looked a bit like Gollum. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to Abell 9. It shimmered, as if it were diamonds on black velvet. Then, I studied Abell 13. It gave the appearance of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried IC 96. It appeared as dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, I jumped to Abell 53 in Ursa Minor. It glowed, rather like cotton candy. After that, I slewed to B 114. It was even more difficult than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off Abell 41. It seemed almost desert sand. Next, I helped a beginner find B 495. It was a dead ringer for a glimmer of the Big Bang. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to B 398. It was a dead ringer for lumpy darkness. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see NGC 3582 in Virgo. It took me back to the first time I saw dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I observed IC 469. It reminded me of a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched Abell 2. It seemed most like the eternal nothingness of being.
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.