As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the current state of Norse mythology 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 40 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 17. It gave the appearance of a waterfall.
After a short break to check my email, I sketched Abell 79. It reminded me of the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I had a chance to see IC 1486. It appeared at low power like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).
After a short break to converse with an owl, I found by accident M 24. It seemed almost the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off NGC 3760. It was like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I sought M 88. It looked like the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I located M 105. It was easy, just like spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried Abell 86. It glowed, rather like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, I identified IC 2105 in that confusing part of Virgo. It reminded me of a UFO. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook M 90. It shimmered, as if it were whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, I accidentally located M 110 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It gave the appearance of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, for a real challenge, I sought M 75. It appeared as a cantilever bra. After that, I looked at Abell 96. It appeared as dancing elephants. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected IC 3876. It compared favorably with a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I studied NGC 428 in Antlia. It sparkled like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests M 95. It glowed, rather like its Hubble photograph. Next, I accidentally located NGC 2328 in Draco. It was like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out B 124. It appeared at low power like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I looked at NGC 3157. It was a blurry likeness of diamonds on black velvet.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I sketched B 69. It seemed most like a spider. Then, I showed some guests NGC 6771 in the western sky. It was as bright as a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched M 105. It compared favorably with desert sand. Next, I checked off NGC 1678. It looked a bit like a whale spouting.
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 kick in the pants with a copper toed boot.