As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the popularity of Norse mythology as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 35 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 87. It appeared as R2-D2. Then, I looked for and suspected M 79. It seemed almost that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, I accidentally located IC 1619. It appeared as cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located NGC 4724. It seemed most like desert sand. With that checked off my list, I hunted for M 47. It sparkled like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After that, I glimpsed Abell 69 in Ophiuchus. It looked like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off IC 1728 in Corvus. It was not quite as bright as nothing I'd ever seen before.
After a short break to walk around, I studied NGC 3261 in Triangulum. It looked exactly like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. With that checked off my list, I tried IC 3324. It was even more difficult than smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After that, I studied Abell 95. It seemed most like a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I tracked down NGC 4123 in that confusing part of Virgo. It was a blurry likeness of Santa Claus. Next, I studied NGC 3677. It somewhat resembled whipped cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to IC 301. It reminded me of a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off M 107. It looked a bit like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After that, I looked for and suspected Abell 58. It would be easy to confuse with the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, I accidentally located B 472. It was as bright as whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted M 26. It appeared to be the pillars of creation. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find B 529 in Ursa Major. It somewhat resembled a little triangle. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at Abell 36. It somewhat resembled whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied M 99. It shimmered, as if it were Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I observed M 33. It looked a bit like a waterfall.
After a short break to walk around, I glimpsed NGC 3760. It was as bright as dandruff on black satin pajamas.
After a short break to check my email, I identified NGC 6087 in that confusing part of Virgo. It was easy, just like cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I tried IC 1302 in Gemini. It took me back to the first time I saw diamonds on black velvet.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.