As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the study of Doonsbury 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 59 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 3. It seemed almost a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected M 74. It would be easy to confuse with one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, I observed M 49. It compared favorably with cotton candy. After that, I glimpsed Abell 74. It was a dead ringer for whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed M 84 in Draco. It reminded me of fleecy wool. Next, I looked at Abell 66. It looked a bit like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected NGC 5071. It appeared as yet another globular. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected M 14. It seemed most like diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I hunted Abell 11. It somewhat resembled smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I checked off IC 694. It appeared as a cantilever bra. Next, I tried M 19. It glowed, rather like Santa Claus. Next, I jumped to Abell 92 in Virgo. It seemed just like Dubya. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to Abell 78. It looked uncannily like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, I tried for Abell 16 in Cygnus. It seemed fainter than the last six objects I'd seen.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I helped a beginner find Abell 57. It took me back to the first time I saw a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected IC 882 in Sculptor. It shimmered, as if it were desert sand.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.