As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the study of Norse mythology 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 25 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 82. It was even more difficult than cotton candy. After that, I identified Abell 87 in Sculptor. It appeared at low power like a cantilever bra. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off NGC 1735. It appeared as a smoke ring. Next, I showed some guests B 361 in Triangulum. It reminded me of a cantilever bra. Next, I hunted Abell 59. It reminded me of a spider. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged Abell 83. It compared favorably with cotton candy.
After a short break to chat, I located M 107 in Septans. It appeared to be a little triangle. After that, I hunted for M 55. It would be easy to confuse with the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought IC 312. It appeared to be nothing I'd ever seen before. After that, I slewed to Abell 33. It shimmered, as if it were its Hubble photograph. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found IC 1103. It looked a bit like a far-away cloud.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I observed NGC 5998. It was not quite as bright as cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident IC 641. It appeared as Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. With that checked off my list, I checked out M 79. It was a blurry likeness of smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After that, I sought M 15 in Virgo. It was a dead ringer for cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched NGC 6679 in Pisces Austrinus. It looked uncannily like a swarm of bees. Then, I tried NGC 3007. It appeared as a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified B 52. It was not quite as bright as Krylon Ultra-Flat Black.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I looked at B 175. It was as bright as an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
After a short break to walk around, I glimpsed NGC 2000 in Virgo. It was better than lumpy darkness. Next, I tracked down Abell 34. It sparkled like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for Abell 70. It would be easy to confuse with dandruff on black satin pajamas.
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 internet sex.