As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of Yahoo P/E ratios as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. 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 32. It seemed almost Smokey the Bear. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged B 63. It seemed almost a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I hunted IC 954. It was as bright as ripples of water.
After a short break to check my email, I sketched IC 2894. It seemed almost the pillars of creation. After that, I observed M 97. It looked exactly like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, I glimpsed NGC 6642. It appeared to be black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I identified IC 1844. It seemed almost the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I sketched Abell 31 in Perseus. It shimmered, as if it were the invisible man. After that, I logged IC 1286. It seemed fainter than a nebula.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I located B 378. It glowed, rather like a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I located M 23. It was better than blackness. Next, I identified NGC 457. It was not quite as bright as Demi Moore. Next, I found M 83. It seemed just like dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected NGC 5680. It looked uncannily like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed B 522 in Ophiuchus. It would be easy to confuse with dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out Abell 58. It was as bright as a cantilever bra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted B 9 in Perseus. It somewhat resembled cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests NGC 5236. It reminded me of fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I identified Abell 99. It appeared at low power like Alan Rickman.
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 poke in the eye with a frozen dishrag.