As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the study of Yahoo P/E ratios 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 3 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 102. It reminded me of Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon Abell 81. It appeared at low power like blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I studied M 63 in Perseus. It gave the appearance of Smokey the Bear. Next, I sought IC 2618. It appeared as Smokey the Bear. Then, I tried IC 2315. It was even more difficult than dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I logged IC 924 in Canes Venatici. It would be easy to confuse with a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I tried IC 3655. It was a blurry likeness of whipped cream. After that, I tracked down B 157. It was as bright as one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, for a real challenge, I went for IC 2376 in Cygnus. It appeared in the eyepiece like dancing elephants. With that checked off my list, I hunted for M 43. It was better than a glimmer of the Big Bang. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located IC 2915. It seemed fainter than a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, for a real challenge, I logged B 11. It was better than cotton on velvet. After that, I sketched B 109. It was easy, just like cotton on velvet.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I helped a beginner find M 109. It seemed just like diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I glimpsed Abell 62. It appeared at low power like its Hubble photograph. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down IC 3375. It compared favorably with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted NGC 1346. It appeared as Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I located M 90. It shimmered, as if it were the exhaust from a diesel Suburban.
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 night out under the stars with people you hate.