As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the current implications of the human spirit as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 42 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 107. It took me back to the first time I saw blackness. Then, I nudged my telescope to IC 1367. It was better than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I sought M 70. It was like desert sand. After that, I hunted Abell 39. It was better than Gollum. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed NGC 4144. It reminded me of dancing elephants.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I observed B 25. It reminded me of that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
After a short break to chat, I stumbled upon Abell 74. It somewhat resembled that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After that, I identified M 38 in Serpens. It was like black pearls on flocked paper. Next, I hunted NGC 5708. It seemed most like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected IC 1011. It sparkled like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I glimpsed IC 725. It took me back to the first time I saw a far-away cloud. After that, I located IC 990. It gave the appearance of the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed IC 63 in Ophiuchus. It appeared at low power like a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I found NGC 1683. It was a blurry likeness of spent coals, faintly glowing.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I showed some guests M 48 in the western sky. It looked exactly like a whale spouting. Then, I star-hopped to M 3. It gave the appearance of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed Abell 63. It was a blurry likeness of the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, I jumped to Abell 38. It gave the appearance of the last six objects I'd seen.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.