As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of the human spirit as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 18 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 98. It appeared in the eyepiece like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After that, I observed Abell 97. It reminded me of desert sand. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down Abell 19 in that confusing part of Virgo. It appeared in the eyepiece like Alan Rickman.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I stumbled upon IC 1363. It reminded me of a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified IC 2015. It seemed most like diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests B 304. It was like R2-D2. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted B 171. It looked like Demi Moore. Then, I looked at M 38. It appeared in the eyepiece like diamonds on light grey velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried NGC 3431. It compared favorably with diamonds on light grey velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for NGC 4623. It shimmered, as if it were black pearls on flocked paper.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I went for IC 1544. It glowed, rather like fleecy wool. After that, I showed some guests Abell 97. It would be easy to confuse with the pillars of creation. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off NGC 5574 in Cygnus. It looked exactly like Demi Moore. Next, I slewed to IC 3762. It appeared to be a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down IC 1043 in Septans. It would be easy to confuse with 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I studied Abell 91. It appeared to be the face of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied B 29. It looked exactly like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to M 61 in Serpens. It was easy, just like diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I showed some guests B 83. It reminded me of a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I went for NGC 1980. It seemed just like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, for a real challenge, I tried NGC 5882. It was better than diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I observed IC 3059 in Scutum. It was better than blackness.
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 phone sex.