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 46 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 96. It looked a bit like a glimmer of the Big Bang. After that, I identified IC 540. It appeared to be cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted M 68. It seemed most like R2-D2. Then, I logged B 484 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It reminded me of ripples of water. Then, I hunted for B 554. It was a dead ringer for a whale spouting. Next, I had a chance to see NGC 1609. It somewhat resembled blackness. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find IC 3443. It seemed fainter than black pearls on flocked paper. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to IC 158 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It reminded me of the face of God. After that, I slewed to Abell 36 in Canis Major. It seemed almost a cantilever bra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located B 270. It took me back to the first time I saw 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook Abell 93 in Ophiuchus. It was a dead ringer for two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed M 91. It looked like whipped cream.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I tried NGC 4720 in Septans. It was like a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests IC 399 in Septans. It would be easy to confuse with the invisible man.
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 stacking 400 Mars images by hand.