As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the deep impact of Doonsbury 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 50 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 70 in Lepus. It compared favorably with a waterfall. With that checked off my list, I checked off B 463 in Canes Venatici. It appeared in the eyepiece like whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I helped a beginner find M 5. It sparkled like Santa Claus. Next, I studied B 319 in Orion. It seemed fainter than black pearls on flocked paper. Next, I checked out IC 1065. It reminded me of a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to NGC 4848. It seemed almost that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I found Abell 8. It looked uncannily like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, I checked out M 16. It was a blurry likeness of that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched M 47. It was not quite as bright as the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, I glimpsed Abell 96. It gave the appearance of the face of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see NGC 4140. It took me back to the first time I saw all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought NGC 690 in Sagittarius. It seemed most like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, for a real challenge, I observed M 48 in Sagittarius. It was even more difficult than a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests Abell 42 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It was a blurry likeness of Miss Piggy. Then, for a real challenge, I identified IC 1507. It somewhat resembled R2-D2. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find B 377. It looked a bit like the eternal nothingness of being. After that, I had a chance to see Abell 51. It was a dead ringer for whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, I tried M 31 in Lyra. It appeared in the eyepiece like an inflamed monkey butt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located M 31. It reminded me of a UFO.
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.