As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of economic theory as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 56 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 75 in Corvus. It gave the appearance of a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to NGC 1511. It looked exactly like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook IC 433. It was better than dancing elephants. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find Abell 9. It looked uncannily like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I sought B 528. It appeared as the invisible man. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook NGC 5383. It appeared as black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for IC 3568 in Perseus. It seemed just like dandruff on black satin pajamas.
After a short break to chat, I hunted Abell 62 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It seemed most like a waterfall. Next, I hunted for NGC 3910. It looked exactly like the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I sought NGC 1503. It looked uncannily like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for M 110 in Scorpius. It somewhat resembled diamonds on light grey velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified Abell 2. It glowed, rather like the face of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted M 90 in Ursa Minor. It somewhat resembled a waterfall. Next, I hunted for M 87. It somewhat resembled yet another globular.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I glimpsed M 16. It glowed, rather like a UFO. After that, I nudged my telescope to NGC 5113 in Camelopardalis. It seemed just like cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at NGC 2379. It seemed fainter than R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to Abell 35 in Virgo. It was as bright as a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted IC 3330. It would be easy to confuse with two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, I sought M 33 in Lynx. It seemed most like the face of God. Then, I looked at Abell 3. It was even more difficult than lumpy darkness. Then, I helped a beginner find IC 2192. It compared favorably with 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
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.