As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of TAC as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 12 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 27 in Cygnus. It reminded me of one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After that, I identified M 37. It appeared as the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, I identified B 282 in Scutum. It shimmered, as if it were a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, I sketched B 598. It was not quite as bright as desert sand. Then, I sketched B 407. It reminded me of diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, I tracked down NGC 1707. It was as bright as George W. Bush. After that, I sought Abell 22 in Ursa Major. It looked like lumpy darkness. With that checked off my list, I tried Abell 90. It appeared at low power like yet another globular. Next, I had a chance to see B 406 in Lyra. It was a dead ringer for diamonds on black velvet. After that, I located M 105. It took me back to the first time I saw a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down M 81 in Hydra. It was like yet another globular. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see NGC 2502. It was easy, just like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook NGC 1672 in Antlia. It was like whipped cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched Abell 37. It sparkled like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After that, I stumbled upon M 45. It gave the appearance of an inflamed monkey butt. Next, I tried M 59. It appeared at low power like a UFO. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon Abell 21. It shimmered, as if it were cotton candy. After that, I observed NGC 4263. It appeared at low power like the face of God. After that, I slewed to IC 2793. It was like a smoke ring.
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 sex.