As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the popularity of this Pale Blue Dot we call home 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 10 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 52. It was like nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests NGC 3303. It glowed, rather like Smokey the Bear. Then, I identified NGC 3578. It reminded me of George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 26. It reminded me of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, I hunted Abell 25 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It reminded me of Alan Rickman.
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 internet sex.