As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the deep impact of tight underwear 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 27 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 83. It took me back to the first time I saw dancing elephants. Then, I sought IC 3110. It appeared in the eyepiece like Smokey the Bear. Then, I hunted for B 622. It looked a bit like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down B 439. It reminded me of dandruff on black satin pajamas.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I identified B 208. It appeared in the eyepiece like whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off IC 1371. It took me back to the first time I saw all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified NGC 5677. It was not quite as bright as a cantilever bra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched B 313 in Orion. It was better than a spitting cobra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for NGC 1756. It appeared at low power like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After that, I helped a beginner find M 97. It sparkled like George W. Bush. After that, I added to my logbook NGC 345. It was better than the invisible man. Then, I hunted for M 70. It appeared in the eyepiece like diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I observed IC 45. It glowed, rather like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban.
After a short break to walk around, I looked for and suspected M 64. It seemed most like a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Then, I added to my logbook B 497. It shimmered, as if it were a nebula.
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 a root canal.