As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the morality of the internet 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 18 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 94. It appeared to be all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I stumbled upon NGC 5951. It was as bright as a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought M 99. It sparkled like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests Abell 62. It was as bright as its Hubble photograph. With that checked off my list, I jumped to B 648. It appeared in the eyepiece like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, I hunted for Abell 58. It reminded me of a smoke ring. After that, I tracked down Abell 42. It looked a bit like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to NGC 5277 in Pisces Austrinus. It was as bright as the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook IC 1610. It was not quite as bright as dandruff on black satin pajamas.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I accidentally located B 130 in Pisces Austrinus. It glowed, rather like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After that, I studied NGC 5294. It appeared to be the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied NGC 3727. It was like George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted M 58 in Antlia. It glowed, rather like a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located M 82. It appeared in the eyepiece like cotton on velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected Abell 12. It appeared at low power like a UFO.
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.