As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the inner workings of chaos theory 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 41 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 71. It looked exactly like whipped cream. With that checked off my list, I tried for B 389 in Sculptor. It looked exactly like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located Abell 54. It was easy, just like a nebula. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected B 10. It appeared at low power like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I went for Abell 8. It appeared at low power like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, I tried B 397. It was easy, just like spent coals, faintly glowing. With that checked off my list, I slewed to IC 729. It seemed almost the invisible man.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I looked at B 597. It glowed, rather like George W. Bush.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I jumped to IC 1981. It took me back to the first time I saw the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook NGC 4022. It appeared in the eyepiece like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I studied B 176. It was even more difficult than a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I sought B 606. It seemed fainter than one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted B 336 in Ursa Major. It was even more difficult than the pillars of creation. Next, I logged NGC 3479. It was easy, just like the pillars of creation.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I checked out B 290 in Fornax. It appeared to be the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests M 84 in Ophiuchus. It was as bright as Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out IC 3815. It appeared to be Smokey the Bear. Next, I slewed to M 107 in Fornax. It took me back to the first time I saw a waterfall. With that checked off my list, I tried for IC 1427. It looked like a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located B 82. It appeared at low power like black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for M 35. It seemed just like dancing elephants. After that, I tracked down M 2. It reminded me of a cantilever bra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to M 108. It took me back to the first time I saw nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, I accidentally located M 33. It appeared in the eyepiece like the clouds I'd seen earlier.
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 reading observing reports.