As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the deep impact of the energy crisis as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 2 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 15 in Ursa Major. It appeared at low power like cotton on velvet. Next, I hunted NGC 5141 in Triangulum. It looked like a spitting cobra.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I found by accident Abell 98. It sparkled like the face of God. Next, I tried M 16 in Antlia. It reminded me of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I hunted for B 63. It looked a bit like the clouds I'd seen earlier. After that, I looked for and suspected M 95. It shimmered, as if it were a swarm of bees. Then, I showed some guests IC 344. It was a dead ringer for cream being swirled into hot coffee. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for M 33. It was a dead ringer for two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook NGC 6908 in Hydra. It reminded me of cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out M 19. It took me back to the first time I saw Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, I showed some guests IC 3102 in Corvus. It was a blurry likeness of a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I located Abell 84. It seemed just like the eye of God. Then, I accidentally located B 647. It looked like spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I tried Abell 72 in Cygnus. It took me back to the first time I saw Dubya. After that, I glimpsed Abell 44. It reminded me of lumpy darkness.
After a short break to check my email, I identified B 172. It was easy, just like R2-D2. Next, I added to my logbook NGC 5117. It seemed fainter than the pillars of creation. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried NGC 5481. It somewhat resembled a UFO. After that, I star-hopped to NGC 2344. It was better than a UFO. With that checked off my list, I checked out NGC 4762. It was not quite as bright as an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. With that checked off my list, I checked off IC 2234 in Gemini. It looked uncannily like fleecy wool. After that, I hunted for IC 2756. It sparkled like George W. Bush. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried NGC 5859. It was easy, just like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
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.