As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of tight underwear 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 31 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 86 in Cygnus. It somewhat resembled a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified NGC 878. It appeared to be all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off M 51. It seemed just like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, I located B 530 in Lyra. It was like a swarm of bees. Next, I studied IC 1827. It shimmered, as if it were the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified Abell 36. It shimmered, as if it were R2-D2. Next, I had a chance to see B 55 in Draco. It looked exactly like the face of God. After that, I went for M 86. It was not quite as bright as desert sand. Next, I identified B 320. It reminded me of George W. Bush. Then, I located B 162. It appeared in the eyepiece like whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident NGC 5610 in Scorpius. It was not quite as bright as cotton candy.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I checked out M 29. It was even more difficult than all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
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 sitting in a dentist's waiting room.