As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the study of my 401K 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 41 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 65. It glowed, rather like the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out IC 3143. It looked like an inflamed monkey butt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident M 22 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It appeared at low power like ripples of water. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to M 107. It was better than Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located NGC 2220. It appeared as dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I had a chance to see M 1 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It took me back to the first time I saw the face of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried IC 3671 in that confusing part of Virgo. It was a blurry likeness of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After that, I added to my logbook Abell 80. It was like a swarm of bees. Then, I had a chance to see Abell 66. It appeared to be Gollum. Then, I had a chance to see IC 3245 in Sculptor. It appeared as the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I identified B 492 in Scorpius. It looked a bit like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I helped a beginner find B 105. It looked exactly like the pillars of creation. After that, I star-hopped to IC 1633. It took me back to the first time I saw Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook IC 389. It appeared as a UFO. Then, I hunted for NGC 4322. It compared favorably with cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to Abell 37. It looked like dandruff on black satin pajamas.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I nudged my telescope to IC 2006. It was better than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied M 90. It gave the appearance of dancing elephants.
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 spending the evening reading blogs.