As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of chaos theory as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 6 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 17 in Perseus. It looked a bit like dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests B 648 in Triangulum. It would be easy to confuse with dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I found by accident Abell 74 in Perseus. It somewhat resembled fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I logged NGC 1437. It was easy, just like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. With that checked off my list, I hunted NGC 5374. It took me back to the first time I saw a little triangle. Then, I tracked down M 42. It was as bright as 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After that, I observed B 503 in Septans. It somewhat resembled cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, I jumped to Abell 75. It appeared to be a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged B 618. It would be easy to confuse with nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, I logged B 575. It was even more difficult than cotton on velvet. After that, I slewed to Abell 97. It sparkled like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, I found by accident Abell 43. It compared favorably with the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. With that checked off my list, I sought B 423. It was a blurry likeness of the invisible man. Then, I sketched NGC 3890. It seemed almost Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon M 33 in Canis Major. It was not quite as bright as diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I went for Abell 99. It shimmered, as if it were ripples of water.
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 spending a day at the mall with my teenage daughter.