As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the deep impact of economic theory as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 5 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 32. It was not quite as bright as fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I hunted M 34. It gave the appearance of a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out M 69. It would be easy to confuse with nothing I'd ever seen before. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests Abell 97 in Canes Venatici. It compared favorably with whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located M 104 in Scutum. It reminded me of a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for NGC 3108. It would be easy to confuse with the invisible man.
After a short break to walk around, I accidentally located M 65 in Lepus. It was easy, just like a far-away cloud. Next, I went for NGC 2479 in Sculptor. It sparkled like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried NGC 3659. It would be easy to confuse with cotton on velvet. Then, I had a chance to see NGC 2593. It took me back to the first time I saw the last six objects I'd seen. Next, I found IC 837. It was easy, just like a nebula.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I checked out Abell 62. It appeared in the eyepiece like fleecy wool. Next, I hunted for B 236. It was not quite as bright as Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I found by accident Abell 49 in Ursa Minor. It was a dead ringer for a nebula. After that, I checked out Abell 96. It was not quite as bright as nothing I'd ever seen before. With that checked off my list, I identified B 326. It seemed almost a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for Abell 63. It looked a bit like Gollum. Then, I identified Abell 26 in Cygnus. It was a dead ringer for 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I looked for and suspected Abell 1 in Cygnus. It was even more difficult than fleecy wool. Then, I nudged my telescope to B 86. It compared favorably with cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, I nudged my telescope to M 65. It reminded me of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I sketched Abell 54. It would be easy to confuse with the clouds I'd seen earlier. After that, I added to my logbook Abell 23. It was better than nothing I'd ever seen before. With that checked off my list, I hunted Abell 8. It was easy, just like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).
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 kick in the pants with a copper toed boot.