As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of underwater basket weaving 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 34 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 101. It gave the appearance of dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at NGC 2914. It compared favorably with the eye of God. Next, I accidentally located Abell 8. It was a blurry likeness of cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I found NGC 3375. It reminded me of a far-away cloud. Next, I showed some guests Abell 79 in Septans. It was not quite as bright as its Hubble photograph.
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 night out under the stars with people you hate.