As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of cosmology as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 11 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 93. It was better than dancing elephants.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I checked off Abell 81. It looked a bit like lumpy darkness. After that, I sought NGC 3745 in Gemini. It appeared at low power like a spider. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to NGC 1993 in Serpens. It was easy, just like a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I located M 30. It was even more difficult than dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down M 99. It looked like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After that, I found Abell 46. It reminded me of the eye of God. Then, I tried for M 43. It would be easy to confuse with Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted IC 1597. It looked a bit like an inflamed monkey butt. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook IC 3062. It seemed most like a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star.
After a short break to have a smoke, I tried M 94. It was even more difficult than the face of God. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed B 325 in Perseus. It took me back to the first time I saw whipped cream.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I glimpsed Abell 74 in Sculptor. It appeared in the eyepiece like a whale spouting. Then, I identified M 56. It appeared as yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at IC 565. It was even more difficult than whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests IC 2261 in Canis Major. It was like desert sand. Then, I jumped to NGC 6103. It seemed almost dancing elephants. Next, I hunted for IC 3631 in Lyra. It would be easy to confuse with whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I hunted for B 45. It sparkled like a little triangle. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified M 43. It looked a bit like dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to IC 2114. It compared favorably with spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged M 22 in Virgo. It seemed almost dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I tracked down NGC 5097. It was better than the eye of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook B 516. It was even more difficult than 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 ebola.