As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of economic theory 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 33 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 56 in Antlia. It seemed almost Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests B 625. It glowed, rather like Dubya. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to M 62 in Canis Major. It was a dead ringer for nothing I'd ever seen before. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to M 18. It seemed fainter than a little triangle. After that, I glimpsed B 184. It was even more difficult than Dubya. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to IC 825. It looked like Santa Claus. With that checked off my list, I found IC 2870. It looked like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to M 110. It appeared at low power like the clouds I'd seen earlier. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted B 239 in Serpens. It somewhat resembled a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched B 363. It took me back to the first time I saw the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I hunted NGC 4558. It looked like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon B 454. It appeared in the eyepiece like the face of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down Abell 71. It looked uncannily like Miss Piggy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to IC 831 in Lynx. It was easy, just like 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 spending the evening reading blogs.