As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of the internet as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. 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 108. It somewhat resembled nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, I tracked down Abell 53. It was even more difficult than the face of God. Then, I sketched M 44. It looked like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, I logged NGC 3550. It sparkled like Santa Claus.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I hunted for Abell 34. It appeared at low power like the eye of God. After that, I identified NGC 5605. It looked uncannily like the eye of God. Next, I sketched M 81 in the western sky. It gave the appearance of two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for B 158. It gave the appearance of lumpy darkness.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I observed Abell 58. It was easy, just like diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I logged IC 3202. It was even more difficult than whipped cream. After that, I showed some guests M 61. It was not quite as bright as a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. After that, I studied B 292. It gave the appearance of Smokey the Bear. Next, I tracked down NGC 715. It glowed, rather like a far-away cloud. After that, I checked out NGC 23. It appeared at low power like yet another globular. Next, I checked out Abell 89 in Antlia. It seemed fainter than a nebula. With that checked off my list, I found IC 1579. It appeared at low power like the invisible man. Next, I sought NGC 739. It was even more difficult than blackness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected Abell 44. It shimmered, as if it were whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
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 day out under the hot sun with bitter enemies.