As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of cosmology as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 19 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 50. It compared favorably with a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I sketched NGC 111 in that confusing part of Virgo. It took me back to the first time I saw ripples of water. Then, for a real challenge, I went for NGC 5719. It would be easy to confuse with dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to IC 2952. It seemed almost whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After that, I found by accident IC 1410. It reminded me of the clouds I'd seen earlier. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found Abell 10 in Scutum. It would be easy to confuse with a cantilever bra. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to Abell 48. It appeared in the eyepiece like R2-D2. Then, I looked at M 99. It was a dead ringer for a spitting cobra. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out B 218. It was not quite as bright as diamonds on light grey velvet.
After a short break to walk around, I glimpsed IC 2420 in the western sky. It was not quite as bright as a UFO. Next, I tried B 220. It shimmered, as if it were all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find M 69. It was not quite as bright as Miss Piggy. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed B 240. It was as bright as a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.
After a short break to chat, I found by accident NGC 4038. It appeared to be Smokey the Bear. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for IC 3262 in Hydra. It seemed almost Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident NGC 6237. It seemed almost the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I sought Abell 20. It glowed, rather like diamonds on black velvet. Next, I nudged my telescope to NGC 1579. It looked uncannily like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, I tried M 12. It was like the eye of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located IC 1749. It sparkled like the clouds I'd seen earlier. After that, I nudged my telescope to IC 271. It seemed just like a UFO. Next, I located Abell 58 in Hydra. It gave the appearance of two scoops of spumoni ice cream.
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 cleaning the bathroom.