As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the inner workings of Doonsbury as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 49 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 46. It seemed just like a nebula. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to Abell 55. It would be easy to confuse with cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I hunted for Abell 96. It seemed almost the face of God. With that checked off my list, I went for NGC 1878 in Lynx. It was like the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I tried B 161. It was even more difficult than whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried B 207. It looked like dancing elephants. Next, I stumbled upon M 81. It was easy, just like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. With that checked off my list, I identified NGC 5487. It reminded me of a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I had a chance to see NGC 3520. It reminded me of smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident M 4. It took me back to the first time I saw diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I checked out NGC 2285 in the western sky. It reminded me of whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located IC 1476. It appeared as spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, I tried for B 238. It compared favorably with one of Martha Stewart's doilies.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I identified Abell 64 in Sculptor. It seemed fainter than blackness. After that, I slewed to Abell 28. It shimmered, as if it were 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found Abell 36 in Antlia. It reminded me of a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon B 375 in Cygnus. It sparkled like ripples of water. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for NGC 1017. It was like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried NGC 5037 in Pisces Austrinus. It reminded me of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted NGC 5698. It shimmered, as if it were Alan Rickman. After that, I studied M 51. It seemed most like black pearls on flocked paper. After that, I sought M 44. It was like the invisible man. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests NGC 2308. It seemed fainter than a little triangle.
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 State of the Union address.