As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the inner workings of chaos theory as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 28 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 56 in that confusing part of Virgo. It appeared as the face of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to Abell 71. It looked exactly like the pillars of creation. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed Abell 54. It appeared in the eyepiece like Gollum. With that checked off my list, I hunted Abell 37. It seemed almost a cantilever bra. Then, I logged Abell 26 in Scorpius. It took me back to the first time I saw an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for Abell 69. It somewhat resembled a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, I jumped to Abell 88. It was even more difficult than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I tried for IC 1487. It appeared to be a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I studied Abell 95. It seemed most like Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to B 97. It gave the appearance of Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests NGC 3487. It appeared to be nothing I'd ever seen before. After that, I nudged my telescope to B 570. It was as bright as a swarm of bees. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged IC 1921. It reminded me of black pearls on flocked paper. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to M 56. It looked a bit like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, I went for Abell 21. It seemed most like Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off NGC 600 in Fornax. It appeared to be a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I went for M 8. It reminded me of the pillars of creation. After that, I studied Abell 87. It was a dead ringer for a UFO.
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 looking at another first attempt to image the Lagoon Nebula.