As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the inner workings of this Pale Blue Dot we call home as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 40 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 67. It was as bright as the pillars of creation. Next, I found by accident M 83 in Fornax. It reminded me of diamonds on black velvet.
After a short break to walk around, I studied B 83. It shimmered, as if it were dancing elephants. After that, I looked for and suspected Abell 96. It looked exactly like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located Abell 33. It looked exactly like R2-D2. Then, I checked out M 33. It reminded me of George W. Bush. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed NGC 2351. It was a blurry likeness of a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, I sought M 65. It would be easy to confuse with a cantilever bra. Then, I identified NGC 4194. It was not quite as bright as a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I looked for and suspected IC 190. It seemed most like a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected NGC 250 in Lynx. It sparkled like the face of God. Next, I checked off M 54 in Pisces Austrinus. It seemed fainter than a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I tried NGC 3206. It somewhat resembled the eye of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to Abell 37 in the western sky. It gave the appearance of cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I studied IC 2133 in Ophiuchus. It compared favorably with a whale spouting.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I showed some guests IC 1403 in Perseus. It reminded me of the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I logged B 334. It was easy, just like the pillars of creation. After that, I tried for B 476. It was as bright as all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried NGC 4915. It reminded me of ripples of water.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I showed some guests NGC 4482 in Serpens. It appeared to be a nebula. After that, I accidentally located M 24. It reminded me of Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 48. It shimmered, as if it were spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I star-hopped to M 38. It looked like desert sand.
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 listening to the Monkees Box Set.