As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the current implications of chaos 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 34 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 26. It was easy, just like Gollum.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I studied NGC 1567. It sparkled like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, I had a chance to see M 23. It was a dead ringer for the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out NGC 2635. It looked uncannily like a whale spouting.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I hunted for M 32. It was not quite as bright as a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I studied IC 701. It looked exactly like a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off Abell 48. It was not quite as bright as a spitting cobra. Then, I identified Abell 68. It reminded me of 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 a State of the Union address.