As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the higher implications of the human spirit as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 33 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 16. It seemed fainter than R2-D2. Then, I tried M 33. It appeared to be Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After that, I sought M 24. It looked uncannily like the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for NGC 1124 in Scorpius. It appeared to be the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident Abell 81. It was not quite as bright as a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located NGC 4723. It was easy, just like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, I helped a beginner find B 623. It seemed just like dancing elephants. After that, I identified Abell 52. It seemed most like a spider.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I looked for and suspected M 100. It seemed just like a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought IC 3314 in Serpens. It appeared at low power like a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Then, I showed some guests B 334. It appeared to be all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off Abell 56 in Ophiuchus. It looked uncannily like cotton candy. Then, I slewed to Abell 9. It appeared at low power like cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I identified NGC 1621. It gave the appearance of that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for B 148 in Draco. It reminded me of diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I jumped to Abell 17. It was as bright as Krylon Ultra-Flat Black.
After a short break to have a smoke, I checked out M 27. It appeared at low power like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. With that checked off my list, I sought B 261 in Pisces Austrinus. It seemed fainter than blackness.
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 taking an elevator during a Stage 3 alert.