As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the popularity of the energy crisis 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 13 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 50. It appeared to be nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see B 44 in Serpens. It seemed just like Smokey the Bear. After that, I went for IC 2575. It was a blurry likeness of R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out M 67. It was not quite as bright as the pillars of creation. Next, I checked out B 389. It seemed fainter than a smoke ring.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I hunted B 37. It looked exactly like the face of God.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I checked off Abell 89. It reminded me of dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I observed B 455. It would be easy to confuse with a UFO. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests Abell 6. It seemed almost dancing elephants. Next, I showed some guests M 31. It gave the appearance of a nebula. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at NGC 1148. It somewhat resembled the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I tried for M 16 in Pisces Austrinus. It appeared as whipped cream. Then, I helped a beginner find Abell 74. It was a dead ringer for R2-D2.
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 reading Beowulf in Old English.