As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the deep impact 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 41 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 82. It was a blurry likeness of yet another globular.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I star-hopped to Abell 53 in Camelopardalis. It appeared in the eyepiece like spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see NGC 3882. It reminded me of whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out NGC 5024. It appeared as Santa Claus.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I checked off B 117 in Scutum. It seemed almost a smoke ring. Next, I hunted B 51 in Scorpius. It was a blurry likeness of George W. Bush. Next, I logged IC 3075. It would be easy to confuse with yet another globular. Then, I looked at IC 1308. It was as bright as a UFO. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found NGC 6234. It compared favorably with 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I observed M 19 in Lyra. It reminded me of whipped cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected NGC 1141 in Draco. It shimmered, as if it were diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down M 3. It sparkled like ripples of water.
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 root canal.