As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the insignificance of the universe 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 16 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 76. It would be easy to confuse with a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After that, I tracked down NGC 3108. It gave the appearance of dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed Abell 91 in Ursa Minor. It gave the appearance of an inflamed monkey butt. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to Abell 31. It compared favorably with black pearls on flocked paper. Next, I checked off NGC 1643 in Antlia. It reminded me of R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I found NGC 2796. It was not quite as bright as the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see IC 3676 in Ursa Major. It was better than the face of God.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I found by accident NGC 3045. It reminded me of cotton candy.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I checked off Abell 28. It appeared at low power like Smokey the Bear.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I observed B 384 in Ursa Major. It shimmered, as if it were cotton candy. Then, I showed some guests NGC 212 in Camelopardalis. It was a dead ringer for a whale spouting.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I identified B 312. It was a blurry likeness of a smoke ring. After that, I slewed to NGC 4862. It compared favorably with diamonds on light grey velvet.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I checked out IC 3230 in Ursa Minor. It sparkled like 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 hot poker rammed up your nose.