As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the deep impact of the energy crisis as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 2 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 66. It seemed most like dancing elephants. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out NGC 3334. It appeared to be an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I observed IC 3720. It looked a bit like the pillars of creation. Next, I had a chance to see Abell 21. It was easy, just like Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I observed Abell 77. It seemed just like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, I jumped to M 49. It looked uncannily like the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I accidentally located B 463 in Ursa Major. It looked uncannily like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, I observed IC 1802 in that confusing part of Virgo. It reminded me of a whale spouting. After that, I tracked down Abell 57. It was better than R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected NGC 4928 in Septans. It reminded me of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off IC 1209. It appeared to be Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I tried B 339. It was as bright as the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I tried IC 3980. It seemed almost fleecy wool. After that, I looked for and suspected NGC 1086. It appeared to be the eye of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for M 8. It reminded me of Santa Claus. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook Abell 92. It was better than a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, I sketched IC 2235 in Ursa Major. It was better than the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I jumped to Abell 74. It took me back to the first time I saw cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I jumped to Abell 11. It seemed most like Dubya. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to B 571 in Scorpius. It looked like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried B 278. It was even more difficult than Dubya. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to M 6. It looked like desert sand. Then, I slewed to Abell 81. It sparkled like ripples of water.
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.