As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the current state of the energy crisis 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 59 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 38. It looked exactly like cotton on velvet. Then, I studied Abell 33. It was even more difficult than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, I logged M 92. It was like the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook B 312. It seemed most like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located Abell 87. It looked a bit like Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to IC 2728 in Cygnus. It was a blurry likeness of a UFO.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I added to my logbook B 248. It reminded me of a UFO. After that, I located M 13. It was a dead ringer for the face of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched M 104. It appeared as desert sand. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located IC 1734. It reminded me of an inflamed monkey butt. With that checked off my list, I checked off M 56 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It reminded me of the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I tried for M 31. It reminded me of a waterfall.
After a short break to do some yoga, I added to my logbook NGC 2530. It reminded me of that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected IC 2252. It sparkled like a whale spouting. Then, I located Abell 93. It was easy, just like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I observed M 57. It seemed just like the pillars of creation. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon B 187. It appeared at low power like spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I sketched M 53. It looked like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find M 69. It was even more difficult than Dubya. Next, I tracked down M 83. It would be easy to confuse with Smokey the Bear. After that, I checked off M 70. It looked exactly like the eye of God.
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 getting shot in the face by Dick Cheney.