As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of Plato's Republic 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 57 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 37. It looked a bit like diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I went for M 17 in Pisces Austrinus. It looked a bit like the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I sought B 239. It seemed fainter than R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident B 268. It gave the appearance of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I went for NGC 6389. It looked a bit like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests IC 3769 in Draco. It looked like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, I stumbled upon IC 424. It reminded me of a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see IC 2530. It shimmered, as if it were a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, for a real challenge, I sought NGC 2816. It was better than dancing elephants. Then, I looked for and suspected IC 2800. It was a dead ringer for diamonds on light grey velvet.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I located B 485. It seemed most like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed NGC 2642. It compared favorably with fleecy wool. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off B 414. It seemed just like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, I jumped to IC 1167 in Pisces Austrinus. It gave the appearance of R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see M 109. It seemed just like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban.
After a short break to walk around, I added to my logbook Abell 90. It looked exactly like the eye of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off NGC 5080. It would be easy to confuse with R2-D2. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to B 258. It seemed just like Miss Piggy. Next, I studied B 137 in Lynx. It seemed fainter than blackness. Next, I hunted for Abell 78. It seemed almost Krylon Ultra-Flat Black.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I looked at Abell 42 in Camelopardalis. It reminded me of spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I tried for Abell 14. It shimmered, as if it were a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to IC 370. It appeared in the eyepiece like Miss Piggy.
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.