As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of world hunger as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 25 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 2. It glowed, rather like lumpy darkness. Next, I jumped to M 51. It appeared as two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for IC 3435. It was even more difficult than whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook B 152. It reminded me of Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I tried NGC 1438. It was better than whipped cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed NGC 843 in Antlia. It seemed almost the invisible man.
After a short break to have a smoke, I added to my logbook M 30 in Lynx. It looked a bit like diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I observed Abell 61 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It appeared to be a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I went for Abell 79. It appeared as a swarm of bees. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found IC 3518 in Canis Major. It appeared as cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied B 193. It appeared at low power like Demi Moore. With that checked off my list, I tried NGC 5183. It seemed fainter than diamonds on black velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to NGC 3311. It sparkled like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I added to my logbook B 149. It gave the appearance of smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. With that checked off my list, I found by accident M 5. It compared favorably with Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to B 389 in Lynx. It was like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon M 13. It looked exactly like a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to NGC 1823 in Canis Major. It glowed, rather like a spider.
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.