As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of world hunger 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 44 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 77 in Camelopardalis. It looked a bit like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook NGC 2909 in Triangulum. It was a dead ringer for all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find B 48. It reminded me of the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, I looked at IC 1602 in Draco. It took me back to the first time I saw a smoke ring.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I accidentally located NGC 150 in Sculptor. It was not quite as bright as 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I went for M 43. It was easy, just like spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, I identified Abell 4. It appeared at low power like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed NGC 1129. It seemed fainter than Gollum. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied B 113 in Draco. It sparkled like Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out Abell 61. It compared favorably with a cantilever bra. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to B 44 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It was better than Santa Claus. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for NGC 2925 in Lynx. It glowed, rather like Miss Piggy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident M 38. It reminded me of diamonds on black velvet. Next, I hunted for M 68 in Triangulum. It was better than its Hubble photograph.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I logged M 38. It looked exactly like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black.
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 State of the Union address.