As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of Yahoo P/E ratios 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 50 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 63. It looked uncannily like Smokey the Bear. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged B 410. It looked exactly like the clouds I'd seen earlier. After that, I sought Abell 20. It appeared as blackness. Then, I tried for NGC 5568. It compared favorably with Santa Claus. With that checked off my list, I checked out IC 253. It reminded me of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I nudged my telescope to Abell 71. It appeared in the eyepiece like yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see NGC 4920. It was not quite as bright as yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook B 419 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It would be easy to confuse with a cantilever bra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located IC 1639. It compared favorably with a cantilever bra. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for Abell 40. It would be easy to confuse with cotton on velvet. After that, I stumbled upon M 92. It was even more difficult than nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed NGC 780 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It seemed fainter than the pillars of creation. Then, for a real challenge, I identified B 377. It glowed, rather like spent coals, faintly glowing. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down Abell 73. It was even more difficult than smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band.
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 root canal.