As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of Doonsbury as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 32 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 90 in Orion. It took me back to the first time I saw dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests NGC 4721. It was easy, just like blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located NGC 4445. It was better than a spider. Then, I found IC 3639 in Ursa Major. It looked a bit like Santa Claus. Then, I jumped to B 440. It appeared as the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried Abell 88. It compared favorably with Miss Piggy. Then, I identified B 39. It reminded me of a cantilever bra. Then, I checked out IC 1012. It took me back to the first time I saw lumpy darkness. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon Abell 16 in Lynx. It appeared in the eyepiece like blackness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied B 283. It was easy, just like two scoops of spumoni ice cream.
After a short break to check my email, I checked off IC 3426 in Cygnus. It was even more difficult than nothing I'd ever seen before. With that checked off my list, I hunted IC 220. It was better than cream being swirled into hot coffee. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to B 391. It appeared at low power like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see IC 1383. It was not quite as bright as dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to Abell 65. It sparkled like an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed IC 2725. It glowed, rather like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to Abell 1 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It was not quite as bright as lumpy darkness. With that checked off my list, I went for Abell 62 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It was as bright as R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down IC 2144. It seemed almost diamonds on black velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located NGC 6653. It was like a far-away cloud.
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 looking at another first attempt to image the Lagoon Nebula.