As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of Doonsbury 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 47 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 82 in Serpens. It looked like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched NGC 6829. It appeared in the eyepiece like a UFO. Then, I tracked down B 160. It was a dead ringer for cotton candy. Next, I slewed to B 601 in Antlia. It took me back to the first time I saw Dubya. Next, I observed NGC 3786. It would be easy to confuse with cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I added to my logbook M 29 in Draco. It was like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I hunted B 466. It somewhat resembled an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, for a real challenge, I located Abell 98. It appeared as smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to M 2. It reminded me of diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, I identified Abell 49. It was easy, just like yet another globular. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to IC 1089. It sparkled like cotton candy. Next, I nudged my telescope to NGC 1955. It looked a bit like a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to M 36. It was like a whale spouting. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought IC 3392. It appeared in the eyepiece like a cantilever bra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out IC 338. It seemed almost a whale spouting. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to M 92. It seemed most like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, I sketched Abell 76. It appeared to be whipped cream. Then, I checked out Abell 26. It appeared as yet another globular.
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.