As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of the internet as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 46 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 89. It sparkled like a smoke ring. Next, I had a chance to see Abell 94 in Orion. It seemed almost yet another globular. Next, I nudged my telescope to M 18 in Camelopardalis. It somewhat resembled a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I tracked down M 88. It seemed almost cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I found by accident IC 1824. It glowed, rather like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook Abell 47. It was better than cotton on velvet. Next, I accidentally located IC 3041. It seemed almost smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests Abell 82. It was better than black pearls on flocked paper. Next, I checked out Abell 38 in Virgo. It was easy, just like the pillars of creation. After that, I hunted for IC 738. It was a blurry likeness of cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I located Abell 75. It appeared to be a spider. Then, I hunted for IC 878. It shimmered, as if it were Dubya. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident NGC 4094. It looked uncannily like a swarm of bees. Next, I added to my logbook B 419 in Antlia. It shimmered, as if it were cotton candy. Then, I showed some guests NGC 1692 in Lyra. It was a dead ringer for cream being swirled into hot coffee.
After a short break to check my email, I tried for Abell 61. It sparkled like the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I located M 108. It seemed fainter than the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off IC 2441. It seemed most like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I hunted NGC 1661 in Sculptor. It seemed just like whipped cream. After that, I studied IC 319. It somewhat resembled fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I tracked down NGC 2290 in Septans. It somewhat resembled fleecy wool. Next, I slewed to B 622. It seemed most like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see M 35. It was even more difficult than the eye of God.
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 cleaning the bathroom.