As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the morality of economic theory 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 36 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 97. It appeared at low power like yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident NGC 2784. It was like black pearls on flocked paper. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to Abell 25 in Lynx. It seemed most like George W. Bush. After that, I checked out M 68. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at M 17. It compared favorably with desert sand. After that, I tracked down NGC 1403. It reminded me of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
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 sex.