As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the popularity of cosmology 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 44 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 87 in Sculptor. It looked uncannily like the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon Abell 30 in Fornax. It appeared at low power like the pillars of creation. Next, I looked for and suspected M 95. It seemed fainter than lumpy darkness. After that, I looked for and suspected B 473. It appeared as nothing I'd ever seen before. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located M 2. It would be easy to confuse with Santa Claus. Next, I helped a beginner find M 29. It was easy, just like Alan Rickman. After that, I identified Abell 35. It gave the appearance of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to M 16. It was like a cantilever bra. With that checked off my list, I looked at IC 1300. It seemed just like the pillars of creation. After that, I found IC 1941 in that confusing part of Virgo. It looked like a far-away cloud.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I glimpsed M 14. It appeared at low power like a spitting cobra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests Abell 35. It appeared to be whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched B 373 in Serpens. It reminded me of spent coals, faintly glowing.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I helped a beginner find Abell 99. It reminded me of a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. After that, I slewed to Abell 85. It was even more difficult than whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I located M 20. It gave the appearance of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, I logged Abell 53. It was even more difficult than Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, I glimpsed B 465. It was like whipped cream. After that, I jumped to NGC 4576. It would be easy to confuse with one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I located IC 2253. It reminded me of that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. With that checked off my list, I hunted for M 74. It looked uncannily like a little triangle. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified Abell 87. It gave the appearance of George W. Bush.
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 poke in the eye with a frozen dishrag.