As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the popularity of this Pale Blue Dot we call home as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 17 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 59. It gave the appearance of a UFO. Then, for a real challenge, I went for B 592. It was a dead ringer for yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for Abell 69. It seemed fainter than Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified IC 714. It took me back to the first time I saw a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed M 46. It appeared as cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I found by accident M 49 in Corvus. It reminded me of cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see Abell 78 in Orion. It seemed just like R2-D2. After that, I added to my logbook B 154 in Cygnus. It was a dead ringer for fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located IC 964 in Lyra. It shimmered, as if it were whipped cream. Then, I tried B 89. It seemed almost lumpy darkness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified IC 1546. It somewhat resembled diamonds on light grey velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged Abell 48. It reminded me of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After that, I stumbled upon NGC 5132. It somewhat resembled lumpy darkness. Then, for a real challenge, I found Abell 60. It was not quite as bright as the pillars of creation. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down B 445 in Gemini. It sparkled like 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 ebola.