As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the current implications of AP Refractors 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 2 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 103 in Perseus. It looked uncannily like R2-D2. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see IC 3897. It seemed almost yet another globular. With that checked off my list, I jumped to Abell 37. It took me back to the first time I saw the eye of God. Then, I studied IC 1659. It was easy, just like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I checked out NGC 6165. It appeared as fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I slewed to M 80. It sparkled like cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I located IC 1810 in Fornax. It was not quite as bright as fleecy wool. Next, I helped a beginner find IC 3474. It was even more difficult than a glimmer of the Big Bang.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I went for NGC 6124 in Gemini. It somewhat resembled fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident NGC 692 in Antlia. It glowed, rather like lumpy darkness. Then, for a real challenge, I tried B 81. It took me back to the first time I saw George W. Bush. Next, I stumbled upon Abell 94 in Lyra. It somewhat resembled the face of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find M 34. It reminded me of the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I sought NGC 5449. It would be easy to confuse with the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, I looked for and suspected B 539. It looked exactly like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I observed B 241. It was as bright as whipped cream.
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 spending a day at the mall with my teenage daughter.