As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the inner workings of the energy crisis as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. 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 44. It seemed most like a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I sought IC 278 in Sagittarius. It gave the appearance of Gollum. After that, I went for IC 2521. It appeared in the eyepiece like Dubya.
After a short break to walk around, I sketched B 344 in Pisces Austrinus. It somewhat resembled a UFO. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to Abell 20. It looked like fleecy wool. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident M 71. It seemed fainter than its Hubble photograph. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to NGC 3228 in Antlia. It glowed, rather like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I nudged my telescope to Abell 52. It somewhat resembled diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I sought NGC 4704. It shimmered, as if it were smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, I tried for Abell 39 in Ursa Minor. It looked like the invisible man. Next, I had a chance to see NGC 2052. It somewhat resembled its Hubble photograph. Then, I found by accident M 42 in Sculptor. It looked uncannily like cotton candy.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.