As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of the energy crisis as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 19 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 81. It looked uncannily like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried M 85. It was as bright as the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for IC 2312. It appeared to be a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out M 33. It was easy, just like a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 277 in Orion. It compared favorably with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to B 296. It appeared at low power like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see NGC 3406 in Draco. It seemed just like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I sought IC 263. It seemed most like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for IC 1798. It looked a bit like George W. Bush. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down IC 3691. It looked a bit like Gollum. Then, I had a chance to see IC 3454 in Septans. It reminded me of the eye of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified B 491. It was a blurry likeness of a little triangle. Next, I checked out Abell 94. It seemed most like the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried IC 3586. It looked like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I had a chance to see Abell 49 in Camelopardalis. It was like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.
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 hunting with the Vice President.