As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the current implications of the energy crisis as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 17 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 95. It gave the appearance of ripples of water. Then, for a real challenge, I studied Abell 81. It seemed most like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I hunted for Abell 81. It looked a bit like a little triangle. Then, I checked out B 622. It was a blurry likeness of an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed M 65. It gave the appearance of blackness. Next, I observed M 64. It shimmered, as if it were black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched M 100. It glowed, rather like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, I studied NGC 3140. It sparkled like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found IC 3972 in Orion. It seemed most like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied M 85 in Sculptor. It seemed fainter than black pearls on flocked paper. After that, I hunted for IC 3295. It was a dead ringer for cotton candy. Then, I observed IC 483 in Ursa Major. It seemed almost dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I jumped to B 171 in Sagittarius. It looked a bit like a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for Abell 13. It was easy, just like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find IC 1746 in that confusing part of Virgo. It took me back to the first time I saw cotton candy. Then, I observed NGC 5710. It was better than a whale spouting. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for NGC 1744 in Sculptor. It looked uncannily like a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I went for M 51 in Ursa Major. It compared favorably with the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged Abell 87. It was a dead ringer for that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
After a short break to chat, I found Abell 10. It seemed most like a waterfall.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I showed some guests IC 3086. It was easy, just like a smoke ring.
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 hunting with the Vice President.