As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the deep impact 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 17 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 92 in Hydra. It sparkled like the eternal nothingness of being. After that, I accidentally located NGC 6504 in Orion. It looked uncannily like fleecy wool. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for Abell 54. It was easy, just like a spider. After that, I tried IC 1325. It shimmered, as if it were the last six objects I'd seen. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon Abell 76. It seemed fainter than the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located NGC 94. It took me back to the first time I saw a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought NGC 3922 in Ursa Minor. It appeared at low power like Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon M 87. It looked like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched Abell 9. It was better than a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I found M 31. It appeared to be Gollum.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I glimpsed NGC 1767 in Lyra. It would be easy to confuse with a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I tried Abell 8 in Scorpius. It appeared in the eyepiece like a spider. After that, I nudged my telescope to NGC 1308. It shimmered, as if it were a waterfall.
After a short break to have a smoke, I jumped to Abell 38. It glowed, rather like cotton candy. Then, I star-hopped to B 424 in Hydra. It took me back to the first time I saw the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. With that checked off my list, I studied NGC 5905. It looked like diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I sketched IC 2479. It was a blurry likeness of black pearls on flocked paper.
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 kick in the pants with a copper toed boot.