As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the deep mystery 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 26 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 23 in Perseus. It compared favorably with blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see NGC 2347. It would be easy to confuse with the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook M 76 in Triangulum. It seemed fainter than a glimmer of the Big Bang. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified Abell 24. It reminded me of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched B 258 in Camelopardalis. It appeared in the eyepiece like an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off M 80 in Lynx. It compared favorably with a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, I sought NGC 1374. It appeared to be Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After that, I checked out B 126. It glowed, rather like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. With that checked off my list, I sought IC 1130 in Lyra. It took me back to the first time I saw all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed M 67 in Sagittarius. It was not quite as bright as an inflamed monkey butt. After that, I hunted for Abell 71. It appeared in the eyepiece like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at B 423. It shimmered, as if it were the pillars of creation. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests NGC 3550. It sparkled like its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see IC 2833 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It compared favorably with a smoke ring. Next, I found M 8. It was as bright as an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched NGC 1937. It gave the appearance of the pillars of creation. Next, I logged Abell 26. It would be easy to confuse with a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for Abell 90. It seemed just like a UFO. Then, I nudged my telescope to M 93. It glowed, rather like Demi Moore. With that checked off my list, I tried for B 119 in Corvus. It would be easy to confuse with two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, I checked off NGC 4759. It looked uncannily like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to B 415. It somewhat resembled Dubya. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought B 643. It seemed almost a swarm of bees. After that, I checked off M 48. It appeared in the eyepiece like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban.
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 Segmentation fault (core dumped).