As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the study of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 19 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 106 in Triangulum. It looked uncannily like nothing I'd ever seen before. After that, I had a chance to see NGC 1534. It was not quite as bright as lumpy darkness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off IC 3797. It appeared as cotton candy. After that, I checked out Abell 71. It was easy, just like Miss Piggy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see M 8. It was like a smoke ring. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident B 564. It would be easy to confuse with the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I slewed to B 610. It looked uncannily like cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out Abell 26. It was a blurry likeness of desert sand. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted NGC 1411 in Canis Major. It seemed almost black pearls on flocked paper.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I identified NGC 4651. It reminded me of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for Abell 13 in Ursa Major. It was even more difficult than a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. With that checked off my list, I observed Abell 41 in Camelopardalis. It was better than the clouds I'd seen earlier. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at IC 672 in Virgo. It appeared at low power like its Hubble photograph.
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.