As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the popularity of my 401K as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 55 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 64. It appeared in the eyepiece like a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located Abell 60. It was even more difficult than Demi Moore. After that, I star-hopped to NGC 1090. It gave the appearance of spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I nudged my telescope to B 2. It reminded me of smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down M 73 in Serpens. It took me back to the first time I saw the face of God. After that, I logged M 99. It looked a bit like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for IC 1912 in Ursa Minor. It seemed just like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I helped a beginner find M 36. It somewhat resembled dancing elephants. Next, I showed some guests NGC 2096 in Lepus. It looked a bit like desert sand.
After a short break to do some yoga, I hunted for B 17. It reminded me of a spitting cobra. After that, I showed some guests IC 1326. It looked a bit like cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I identified B 491. It compared favorably with cotton on velvet. Next, I logged Abell 73 in Camelopardalis. It was as bright as a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied Abell 47. It somewhat resembled Dubya. Then, for a real challenge, I logged Abell 30 in Canis Major. It appeared to be an inflamed monkey butt.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I hunted IC 3672. It was easy, just like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. With that checked off my list, I located NGC 793 in Pisces Austrinus. It was like desert sand. Then, I looked for and suspected B 530 in Virgo. It appeared in the eyepiece like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, I found NGC 532. It reminded me of 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 reading Beowulf in Old English.