As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the study of Doonsbury 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 6 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 99. It appeared in the eyepiece like Gollum. Then, I tried NGC 956. It was even more difficult than R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged NGC 5396. It was a dead ringer for cotton candy. Next, I hunted Abell 49. It appeared as an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed M 10 in Fornax. It sparkled like a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook B 543. It reminded me of dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I observed Abell 7. It was a dead ringer for the eternal nothingness of being. With that checked off my list, I slewed to B 557. It was easy, just like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off IC 1121. It appeared in the eyepiece like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After that, I sought NGC 2876. It looked like Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to Abell 51. It was a blurry likeness of diamonds on black velvet. After that, I slewed to IC 1883. It glowed, rather like a little triangle.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I logged B 597. It seemed almost R2-D2. Then, I star-hopped to IC 2415. It glowed, rather like ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged Abell 84. It was like a nebula. With that checked off my list, I located M 90. It was not quite as bright as a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I tried Abell 32. It shimmered, as if it were a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located NGC 4395. It looked a bit like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I went for M 72. It reminded me of a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for B 198 in Draco. It took me back to the first time I saw desert sand. Then, I accidentally located B 9. It looked a bit like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
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 day out under the hot sun with bitter enemies.