As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of this Pale Blue Dot we call home 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 37 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 39. It looked exactly like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 3. It was even more difficult than whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I stumbled upon IC 1934. It was even more difficult than dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I glimpsed IC 878. It somewhat resembled that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried Abell 17. It looked a bit like the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for M 81. It gave the appearance of a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests Abell 61. It appeared to be cream being swirled into hot coffee.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I looked at Abell 31 in Scutum. It reminded me of Santa Claus.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I went for NGC 3672. It appeared to be that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, I helped a beginner find M 64 in Orion. It was a blurry likeness of all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located NGC 5839. It looked uncannily like cotton on velvet. Next, I hunted B 199. It glowed, rather like a cantilever bra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for Abell 41 in Ursa Minor. It somewhat resembled whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
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.