As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the deep impact of astrology as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 55 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 57 in Scorpius. It shimmered, as if it were the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I hunted for IC 3170. It looked exactly like dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to M 90 in Ophiuchus. It seemed fainter than a whale spouting. After that, I identified Abell 22. It would be easy to confuse with Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find NGC 5473 in Lepus. It shimmered, as if it were the invisible man. Then, for a real challenge, I observed NGC 833. It was a blurry likeness of dancing elephants. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed IC 3403. It was easy, just like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down B 55. It sparkled like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon IC 1761. It glowed, rather like cotton on velvet. Then, I added to my logbook Abell 47. It took me back to the first time I saw two scoops of spumoni ice cream. With that checked off my list, I slewed to IC 925. It was a dead ringer for nothing I'd ever seen before.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I sought IC 3660 in Gemini. It seemed almost a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests M 97. It took me back to the first time I saw ripples of water. After that, I jumped to B 163 in Ophiuchus. It appeared as whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, I stumbled upon M 100 in Cygnus. It took me back to the first time I saw the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at B 510. It was even more difficult than all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
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 being strapped naked to an anthill.