As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of Doonsbury as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 51 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 95. It looked uncannily like cotton candy.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I accidentally located NGC 6151. It was a dead ringer for the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located M 76 in that confusing part of Virgo. It appeared in the eyepiece like nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, I looked for and suspected B 617. It looked exactly like a UFO. Next, I went for NGC 4159 in Scorpius. It would be easy to confuse with black pearls on flocked paper. Then, for a real challenge, I observed B 49. It was easy, just like Demi Moore. With that checked off my list, I found by accident B 186. It was a blurry likeness of lumpy darkness.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I tried for B 267. It seemed almost dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, I observed Abell 5 in the western sky. It was easy, just like a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected NGC 3867. It was even more difficult than lumpy darkness. Then, I looked at Abell 16. It looked uncannily like dancing elephants. With that checked off my list, I found by accident Abell 34. It appeared as whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
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 listening to the Monkees Box Set.