As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the popularity of economic theory as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 14 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 107. It reminded me of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, I had a chance to see IC 867 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It took me back to the first time I saw Dubya. Then, I had a chance to see Abell 46. It shimmered, as if it were the clouds I'd seen earlier. With that checked off my list, I tried B 611. It seemed just like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident IC 212. It somewhat resembled Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I found by accident B 548. It seemed most like the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified NGC 101. It compared favorably with a waterfall. After that, I stumbled upon Abell 9 in Ursa Minor. It was better than dancing elephants. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down M 104. It glowed, rather like the face of God. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see NGC 2229. It took me back to the first time I saw Santa Claus. Next, I tracked down M 36 in Ophiuchus. It looked exactly like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to IC 2345 in Pisces Austrinus. It appeared at low power like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied B 505 in Canis Major. It was like desert sand. After that, I sought IC 2738. It appeared to be nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to Abell 95 in Hydra. It looked like black pearls on flocked paper.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I glimpsed IC 2423. It shimmered, as if it were a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I found NGC 4235 in Ophiuchus. It reminded me of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find IC 3379 in Perseus. It was not quite as bright as a cantilever bra. After that, I showed some guests NGC 5948. It reminded me of diamonds on black velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off M 54. It was not quite as bright as desert sand. With that checked off my list, I tried for NGC 87. It seemed almost the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon IC 392. It compared favorably with Smokey the Bear.
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).