As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the popularity of Norse mythology as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. 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 80. It looked exactly like black pearls on flocked paper. After that, I identified B 441 in Triangulum. It was better than a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to IC 1579 in Canis Major. It reminded me of two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, I studied B 193 in Triangulum. It looked exactly like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. With that checked off my list, I identified B 311 in Antlia. It gave the appearance of dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down B 144 in Serpens. It compared favorably with the clouds I'd seen earlier. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out Abell 12. It reminded me of its Hubble photograph. With that checked off my list, I sketched IC 2869. It appeared at low power like diamonds on black velvet. After that, I stumbled upon B 47. It was not quite as bright as cotton candy. After that, I observed IC 2902. It shimmered, as if it were one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, I had a chance to see NGC 5836. It appeared at low power like dancing elephants. Then, I sought Abell 42. It was as bright as Miss Piggy. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see NGC 1472 in Orion. It somewhat resembled a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I stumbled upon M 2 in Lyra. It would be easy to confuse with a far-away cloud. Next, I found Abell 18. It seemed most like a spider. Next, I tried for NGC 6089. It was a dead ringer for dancing elephants. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found M 79. It was not quite as bright as cream being swirled into hot coffee.
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 night watching an I Love Lucy marathon on Nick at Night.