As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of my 401K 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 40 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 9. It gave the appearance of the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I jumped to Abell 45. It compared favorably with desert sand. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried NGC 5855 in Lepus. It was even more difficult than a UFO. Then, I added to my logbook M 4 in Perseus. It reminded me of R2-D2. After that, I looked at B 410. It looked a bit like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to M 53. It was not quite as bright as a spitting cobra. After that, I glimpsed B 212 in Canes Venatici. It reminded me of a spider. After that, I looked at NGC 5852. It seemed almost the pillars of creation. Next, I slewed to NGC 3422. It was even more difficult than a nebula. Next, I sketched IC 2273. It seemed most like cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests B 129. It sparkled like dancing elephants. Next, I went for Abell 49. It sparkled like diamonds on black velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at Abell 85. It reminded me of the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I slewed to M 35. It seemed just like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off B 106. It looked exactly like Smokey the Bear. Next, I hunted NGC 1984 in Ophiuchus. It took me back to the first time I saw whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I logged Abell 73. It would be easy to confuse with the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I looked at IC 3665. It was even more difficult than Krylon Ultra-Flat Black.
After a short break to have a smoke, I glimpsed NGC 2935. It seemed just like spent coals, faintly glowing. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see Abell 29 in Camelopardalis. It reminded me of dancing elephants. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched M 32. It appeared as its Hubble photograph. Then, for a real challenge, I went for NGC 5389. It seemed most like the face of God.
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 hot poker rammed up your nose.