As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the study of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 19 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 7 in Scorpius. It glowed, rather like lumpy darkness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched M 92 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It reminded me of a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook Abell 65. It was better than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I nudged my telescope to NGC 360 in the western sky. It was like the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests M 101. It appeared as Santa Claus. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see M 88 in Cygnus. It seemed just like the invisible man. Then, for a real challenge, I tried NGC 5490. It reminded me of dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I jumped to IC 2045. It was a dead ringer for George W. Bush.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I helped a beginner find IC 3590. It looked like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I observed M 89. It seemed just like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected M 92. It compared favorably with smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, I glimpsed NGC 1697 in Canis Major. It was like a spitting cobra. After that, I star-hopped to IC 1215. It was easy, just like cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to IC 2282 in Fornax. It reminded me of whispy tendrils of nebulosity.
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 listening to the Monkees Box Set.