As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of Norse mythology as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 54 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 59 in Lepus. It compared favorably with cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I found by accident NGC 1342 in that confusing part of Virgo. It looked a bit like diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I studied IC 390. It glowed, rather like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I slewed to Abell 48. It was easy, just like the last six objects I'd seen.
After a short break to walk around, I checked off Abell 88. It was better than the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests NGC 4177. It seemed just like yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for B 504. It seemed just like fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to Abell 53. It seemed most like a swarm of bees. After that, I looked at Abell 86 in Cygnus. It was even more difficult than the clouds I'd seen earlier. After that, I jumped to NGC 1491. It was not quite as bright as the face of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for Abell 98. It was as bright as two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, I stumbled upon M 74. It seemed just like R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected B 257. It appeared as diamonds on black velvet. Then, I observed NGC 3053. It seemed just like fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected M 28 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It reminded me of a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I showed some guests NGC 6822 in Lyra. It seemed fainter than Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at Abell 48. It seemed just like a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched M 104 in Triangulum. It was easy, just like a UFO. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched NGC 5098. It somewhat resembled fleecy wool.
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 listening to the Monkees Box Set.