As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of Dilbert 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 33 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 5. It was even more difficult than the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged NGC 3411. It was easy, just like a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed M 63. It was even more difficult than cotton on velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I observed NGC 4913 in Ophiuchus. It gave the appearance of lumpy darkness. After that, I logged Abell 59 in Scutum. It was a blurry likeness of spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, for a real challenge, I observed B 111. It looked like a waterfall.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I star-hopped to IC 1101. It appeared in the eyepiece like lumpy darkness. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see B 473. It was even more difficult than blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for NGC 5853 in Antlia. It seemed almost one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off Abell 54. It gave the appearance of yet another globular. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to B 140. It compared favorably with diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I showed some guests NGC 2260. It was a dead ringer for George W. Bush. Next, I looked at IC 2422. It shimmered, as if it were one of Martha Stewart's doilies.
After a short break to chat, I looked for and suspected IC 2870. It took me back to the first time I saw a UFO. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed NGC 5402. It seemed just like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for B 350. It looked like spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I showed some guests B 92. It was easy, just like Gollum.
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.