As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of the universe as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 7 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 86. It was as bright as Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I found Abell 45. It appeared in the eyepiece like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I checked off B 421. It reminded me of lumpy darkness. After that, I logged B 16. It was not quite as bright as Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down M 51. It was easy, just like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, I tried Abell 54. It sparkled like its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off B 503 in Perseus. It appeared in the eyepiece like Miss Piggy. Then, I went for IC 1519 in Gemini. It reminded me of diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident B 478 in Septans. It seemed most like the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for M 58. It reminded me of that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed M 15 in Orion. It was a dead ringer for the eye of God.
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 out under the stars with people you hate.