As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the current state of my life's work as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 29 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 20. It looked a bit like a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted Abell 40 in Ophiuchus. It reminded me of diamonds on light grey velvet.
After a short break to check my email, I went for M 31 in the western sky. It gave the appearance of Miss Piggy. Then, for a real challenge, I studied M 54. It looked like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I identified B 555 in Canis Major. It seemed almost that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. With that checked off my list, I hunted NGC 1533 in Ophiuchus. It was easy, just like yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found IC 2237. It appeared at low power like its Hubble photograph. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed Abell 33. It appeared to be a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off M 28. It sparkled like fleecy wool. After that, I located B 157. It appeared as a spider.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I went for IC 468. It appeared at low power like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident IC 2768. It shimmered, as if it were Miss Piggy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon IC 2040. It would be easy to confuse with all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find NGC 1454. It would be easy to confuse with a spider. Next, I looked for and suspected Abell 6. It seemed just like dancing elephants. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to IC 592. It appeared to be Dubya. Next, I studied NGC 1374 in Septans. It seemed most like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I added to my logbook Abell 93. It was better than a UFO. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed B 96. It gave the appearance of the invisible man.
After a short break to do some yoga, I went for M 36. It looked uncannily like dancing elephants.
After a short break to do some yoga, I had a chance to see IC 304. It reminded me of ripples of water.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I added to my logbook M 60 in Scutum. It glowed, rather like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
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 sitting in a dentist's waiting room.