As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the higher implications of chaos theory as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 1 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 37. It was better than the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I observed M 76. It seemed fainter than dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, I looked at NGC 980. It seemed fainter than lumpy darkness. Next, I hunted for Abell 54 in Septans. It was even more difficult than two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to IC 726. It seemed almost the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified B 304 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It appeared at low power like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off M 91. It somewhat resembled the eye of God.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I had a chance to see NGC 5527. It was a blurry likeness of black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I tried Abell 14. It would be easy to confuse with a spider. Next, I accidentally located Abell 20. It seemed just like all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I found NGC 4002 in Antlia. It appeared at low power like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I studied NGC 5259 in Lynx. It reminded me of Smokey the Bear. After that, I star-hopped to B 60. It seemed almost Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook NGC 4829. It was a blurry likeness of cotton candy. Then, I tracked down M 48. It looked exactly like a smoke ring. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted B 445. It seemed fainter than cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I slewed to IC 269 in Triangulum. It gave the appearance of R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests Abell 95. It would be easy to confuse with yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to IC 1580 in Canes Venatici. It seemed almost diamonds on light grey velvet.
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 poetry reading marathon.