As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of astrology 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 12 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 96. It took me back to the first time I saw whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests M 7 in Corvus. It was even more difficult than Smokey the Bear. Next, I tracked down Abell 24. It appeared to be Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off M 15. It sparkled like a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out M 79. It seemed just like nothing I'd ever seen before. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed IC 389 in Ursa Major. It appeared to be dancing elephants. After that, I observed Abell 51. It reminded me of a whale spouting.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I had a chance to see Abell 65. It compared favorably with Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down IC 565. It was like the pillars of creation. Next, I showed some guests NGC 5782. It seemed just like a glimmer of the Big Bang. After that, I hunted Abell 23. It appeared as an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find Abell 24. It seemed most like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, I glimpsed M 78. It was not quite as bright as Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I logged NGC 6638. It glowed, rather like the eye of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed IC 3758. It looked a bit like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected NGC 5800 in Fornax. It reminded me of desert sand. Next, I logged Abell 71 in Pisces Austrinus. It was a dead ringer for diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to B 128. It sparkled like Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to B 198. It was a blurry likeness of Santa Claus.
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 poke in the eye with a frozen dishrag.