As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of the energy crisis as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 42 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 17 in Camelopardalis. It was even more difficult than a whale spouting. With that checked off my list, I studied Abell 30. It was easy, just like desert sand. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found B 411. It seemed most like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, I tracked down B 253 in Antlia. It reminded me of dancing elephants. Then, I slewed to B 325 in Pisces Austrinus. It seemed fainter than whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, I looked for and suspected B 498. It reminded me of the invisible man.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I nudged my telescope to B 67. It compared favorably with dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located IC 223. It was not quite as bright as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, I nudged my telescope to Abell 58. It appeared to be cream being swirled into hot coffee. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied M 8. It appeared to be whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off Abell 99. It would be easy to confuse with dancing elephants. With that checked off my list, I studied NGC 1710. It glowed, rather like a far-away cloud.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I jumped to Abell 97 in Gemini. It would be easy to confuse with nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, I accidentally located B 573. It was even more difficult than diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I studied Abell 42. It was a blurry likeness of a whale spouting. Then, I tracked down IC 2254. It was better than fleecy wool.
After a short break to do some yoga, I sought B 70. It seemed just like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find IC 3013. It glowed, rather like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
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 phone sex.