As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of AP Refractors 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 55 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 76. It sparkled like Dubya. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off B 319. It glowed, rather like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried M 99 in Perseus. It was like the face of God. With that checked off my list, I checked out M 79. It appeared at low power like fleecy wool. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to M 41. It sparkled like Dubya. After that, I tried for M 23. It seemed almost dancing elephants. Next, I added to my logbook B 508 in Scorpius. It was like a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I identified B 149. It looked like a nebula. With that checked off my list, I slewed to Abell 25 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It reminded me of Dubya. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed NGC 6691 in Lyra. It looked a bit like a UFO. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find M 75 in Perseus. It was better than all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I tried IC 3750. It seemed most like the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I found by accident Abell 70. It looked a bit like a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought NGC 4837 in Ophiuchus. It reminded me of the last six objects I'd seen. After that, I sought M 108. It shimmered, as if it were diamonds on black 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.