As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of astrology as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 6 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 19. It looked like Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find Abell 22. It sparkled like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located M 11. It was like a cantilever bra.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I checked off B 68. It appeared to be smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook B 453. It seemed fainter than R2-D2. Next, I sketched M 5. It was as bright as a waterfall. After that, I found B 425. It was as bright as Gollum. Then, I tracked down Abell 98 in Sagittarius. It looked uncannily like a little triangle. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located M 90. It appeared at low power like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. With that checked off my list, I looked at IC 3498. It took me back to the first time I saw a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried IC 1598. It compared favorably with diamonds on black velvet. Next, I checked out NGC 5854. It seemed fainter than cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I tried M 70. It seemed fainter than nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, I sought B 229. It was better than whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After that, I tried IC 3110. It looked like a UFO. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed IC 3630. It was easy, just like cotton candy.
After a short break to do some yoga, I observed IC 1575. It glowed, rather like a waterfall. With that checked off my list, I observed Abell 10. It took me back to the first time I saw whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
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.