As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the inner workings of Plato's Republic 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 49 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 91. It looked a bit like a UFO. After that, I hunted for M 44. It took me back to the first time I saw a nebula. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed NGC 6501. It seemed just like the invisible man.
After a short break to have a smoke, I tried for B 452. It would be easy to confuse with a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched M 72 in Virgo. It was even more difficult than cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see M 22. It was a dead ringer for Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for B 497 in Canis Major. It seemed almost Alan Rickman. Next, I helped a beginner find M 87. It seemed fainter than one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for M 67 in Lepus. It was as bright as an inflamed monkey butt. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off B 127. It somewhat resembled one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, I went for B 198. It was easy, just like fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to M 55. It looked uncannily like diamonds on light grey velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located B 162 in the western sky. It seemed just like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out B 236. It was a dead ringer for the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed M 72. It gave the appearance of ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for NGC 1133. It appeared at low power like Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at NGC 2757. It shimmered, as if it were a nebula. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off M 61. It was as bright as a cantilever bra. Then, I tried IC 3473. It was not quite as bright as fleecy wool.
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 getting shot in the face by Dick Cheney.