As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the study of Yahoo P/E ratios as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 35 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 12 in Scorpius. It seemed fainter than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located IC 2012. It seemed almost Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I observed B 374. It was a blurry likeness of black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests M 29. It was not quite as bright as nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to NGC 6916 in Pisces Austrinus. It sparkled like the pillars of creation. Next, I star-hopped to NGC 651. It seemed almost a little triangle. Then, I nudged my telescope to M 72 in Hydra. It seemed just like an inflamed monkey butt. After that, I had a chance to see B 420. It seemed almost R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see Abell 1. It was even more difficult than an inflamed monkey butt. Next, I slewed to M 105 in Pisces Austrinus. It was a blurry likeness of a smoke ring. Then, I tried B 471. It was easy, just like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. With that checked off my list, I identified M 24 in Cygnus. It was better than nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched Abell 2. It appeared as an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I found by accident IC 2846. It looked a bit like cream being swirled into hot coffee. After that, I helped a beginner find B 250. It gave the appearance of R2-D2. After that, I checked off B 647. It seemed just like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
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 ebola.