As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of the universe 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 36 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 55 in Hydra. It reminded me of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to NGC 2875 in Corvus. It seemed just like the eye of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find B 76. It reminded me of the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I helped a beginner find B 501. It compared favorably with diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed Abell 86 in Serpens. It was a blurry likeness of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I showed some guests Abell 85. It looked like R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out NGC 373 in Lynx. It reminded me of a swarm of bees. Next, I accidentally located IC 2309. It seemed just like the eye of God.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I tried IC 1671. It sparkled like Miss Piggy. After that, I sought M 58. It was like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted M 108 in Septans. It sparkled like Smokey the Bear.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I checked off NGC 6617. It was easy, just like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I jumped to B 581. It was even more difficult than smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band.
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 stacking 400 Mars images by hand.