As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the insignificance of economic theory as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 18 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 22 in Fornax. It looked uncannily like dandruff on black satin pajamas.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I found IC 494 in Perseus. It appeared to be whipped cream. Next, I checked out IC 269. It looked like desert sand. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to IC 1973. It appeared as the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied M 51. It compared favorably with cotton candy. Next, I jumped to Abell 55 in Lyra. It seemed just like cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for Abell 39 in Scutum. It looked a bit like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for M 104. It was easy, just like its Hubble photograph. With that checked off my list, I studied Abell 15. It took me back to the first time I saw a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for IC 2570. It was easy, just like Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find M 51. It sparkled like 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 phone sex.