As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the deep impact of cosmology 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 24 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 34. It took me back to the first time I saw whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, I checked out IC 1847. It was easy, just like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, I helped a beginner find Abell 51. It somewhat resembled Dubya. Next, I jumped to Abell 63. It seemed fainter than a smoke ring. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for Abell 73. It appeared at low power like a spider. With that checked off my list, I checked off IC 108 in Sculptor. It looked uncannily like dancing elephants. Then, I located IC 1553. It was like the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident NGC 544. It appeared in the eyepiece like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, I helped a beginner find B 159. It shimmered, as if it were spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I sketched NGC 1953 in the western sky. It looked like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I found by accident IC 1226 in Ophiuchus. It appeared to be nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for NGC 5416. It was like a UFO. After that, I looked for and suspected Abell 40. It appeared at low power like yet another globular. After that, I accidentally located B 290. It gave the appearance of a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. With that checked off my list, I checked out Abell 25. It sparkled like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to IC 942 in Lynx. It reminded me of a spider.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I sketched B 126. It looked exactly like dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I hunted for B 430 in Hydra. It took me back to the first time I saw the face of God. Then, I found B 272. It gave the appearance of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed Abell 91. It was even more difficult than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).
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 kick in the pants with a copper toed boot.