As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the morality of this Pale Blue Dot we call home 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 26 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 39. It somewhat resembled a swarm of bees. Next, I checked off B 258. It reminded me of a waterfall. Then, I looked at NGC 934. It reminded me of the pillars of creation. Then, I jumped to Abell 65 in Lepus. It glowed, rather like the invisible man.
After a short break to walk around, I had a chance to see NGC 4908. It seemed just like cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I logged NGC 3377 in Canes Venatici. It appeared as black pearls on flocked paper. Then, I observed Abell 33 in Cygnus. It appeared to be Alan Rickman. Next, I hunted NGC 5134. It sparkled like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I slewed to NGC 6486 in Lepus. It gave the appearance of dancing elephants. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon Abell 19. It was a dead ringer for diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I hunted B 222 in Canes Venatici. It looked like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged NGC 3707. It was even more difficult than the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I observed M 90. It reminded me of a spider. Then, I sought M 97. It looked like a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out Abell 66. It looked exactly like dancing elephants. After that, I had a chance to see IC 3009. It was even more difficult than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I hunted B 414 in Triangulum. It somewhat resembled diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I hunted for Abell 52. It sparkled like its Hubble photograph. Next, I nudged my telescope to NGC 4878 in Cygnus. It compared favorably with diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted IC 192 in Corvus. It was not quite as bright as a nebula. With that checked off my list, I found by accident B 155 in Ursa Minor. It seemed just like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see M 98. It appeared as blackness.
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 night watching an I Love Lucy marathon on Nick at Night.