As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the higher implications of the universe 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 37 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 105 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It seemed most like an inflamed monkey butt. Next, I jumped to IC 1343. It seemed just like diamonds on light grey velvet.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I star-hopped to IC 3499 in Antlia. It seemed most like R2-D2. Next, I logged Abell 59. It looked exactly like Gollum.
After a short break to have a smoke, I helped a beginner find NGC 5140 in Lepus. It shimmered, as if it were whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, for a real challenge, I logged NGC 4994. It looked uncannily like Santa Claus. With that checked off my list, I looked at NGC 3954. It appeared to be 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I tracked down IC 197. It seemed most like the face of God. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests B 313. It would be easy to confuse with the eye of God. Next, I tried for M 85. It appeared in the eyepiece like the face of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook NGC 2007 in Virgo. It seemed fainter than an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged IC 699. It appeared to be one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I sketched IC 3130. It was even more difficult than Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see NGC 3759. It looked like the eye of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found Abell 98 in Cygnus. It looked a bit like Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to IC 3466 in Orion. It glowed, rather like nothing I'd ever seen before. With that checked off my list, I studied M 41. It seemed fainter than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I identified IC 855. It looked exactly like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located NGC 569. It was not quite as bright as dancing elephants.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I accidentally located IC 424. It seemed almost a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to NGC 5602 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It shimmered, as if it were nothing I'd ever seen before.
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 hunting with the Vice President.