As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of chaos theory 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 1 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 74. It compared favorably with cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off IC 559 in Ursa Major. It appeared in the eyepiece like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected M 59 in Camelopardalis. It reminded me of cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I observed Abell 85. It appeared in the eyepiece like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After that, I accidentally located M 86. It reminded me of one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified M 30 in Antlia. It was as bright as a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.
After a short break to check my email, I hunted for Abell 38. It was as bright as Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I studied Abell 28 in Canes Venatici. It looked a bit like ripples of water.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I found Abell 63. It was not quite as bright as 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I jumped to B 313. It reminded me of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, I tried IC 2076. It looked like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, I found by accident B 407 in Scorpius. It appeared to be Santa Claus. Next, I helped a beginner find Abell 80. It was like Santa Claus. After that, I accidentally located Abell 88. It appeared as blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out Abell 19. It looked uncannily like a swarm of bees.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I checked off Abell 16 in Ursa Major. It looked a bit like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I went for B 398 in Virgo. It looked like the last six objects I'd seen. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests B 627. It appeared at low power like Dubya.
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 reading observing reports.