As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of the universe 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 40 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 48. It was easy, just like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off Abell 41 in Corvus. It was easy, just like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I star-hopped to Abell 9. It seemed fainter than cream being swirled into hot coffee.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I located Abell 48. It was a blurry likeness of whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After that, I tried for Abell 75. It shimmered, as if it were a swarm of bees. Next, I located NGC 1896. It was easy, just like its Hubble photograph. With that checked off my list, I found Abell 22 in Serpens. It looked exactly like Santa Claus. With that checked off my list, I hunted NGC 6396 in that confusing part of Virgo. It seemed most like black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to IC 2623 in Serpens. It looked a bit like its Hubble photograph. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted B 251 in Lepus. It would be easy to confuse with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, I stumbled upon NGC 2607. It would be easy to confuse with the pillars of creation. Then, I sketched M 11. It seemed almost R2-D2. After that, I added to my logbook M 7 in Draco. It seemed fainter than Dubya. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located IC 633. It was easy, just like a spider. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed Abell 53. It appeared to be a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out Abell 33. It would be easy to confuse with all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I looked for and suspected IC 2413. It reminded me of a whale spouting. Next, I sought IC 279. It looked a bit like Miss Piggy. Then, I checked off IC 3332. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud.
After a short break to do some yoga, I showed some guests M 98. It was like yet another globular. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for Abell 80. It glowed, rather like two scoops of spumoni ice cream.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I tracked down NGC 559. It shimmered, as if it were the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After that, I looked at NGC 5047. It would be easy to confuse with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed NGC 1662. It reminded me of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
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 taking an elevator during a Stage 3 alert.