As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the study of my life's work 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 22. It would be easy to confuse with 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I sought M 40 in Canes Venatici. It was a blurry likeness of George W. Bush. After that, I glimpsed Abell 7. It was a dead ringer for the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I identified NGC 5110. It was a blurry likeness of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After that, I looked for and suspected B 194 in Draco. It reminded me of nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests B 117. It would be easy to confuse with cotton candy. After that, I tried for M 50. It sparkled like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I tracked down IC 1009. It compared favorably with the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I sought B 205 in Ophiuchus. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located B 270. It seemed almost a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident M 44. It appeared at low power like the face of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to B 579. It seemed most like yet another globular. After that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 18 in Pisces Austrinus. It reminded me of a far-away cloud. Then, I glimpsed Abell 35 in Fornax. It shimmered, as if it were R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found M 73. It was as bright as black pearls on flocked paper. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 2723 in Canis Major. It was better than cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off NGC 4302. It seemed just like Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged Abell 44 in Ophiuchus. It looked a bit like dancing elephants. Then, I stumbled upon NGC 4647. It glowed, rather like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified B 632 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It reminded me of 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 stale peeps.