As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the study of my life's work 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 18 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 87 in Corvus. It seemed fainter than Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to B 515. It reminded me of one of Martha Stewart's doilies.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I sought M 3. It seemed almost blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for B 188. It glowed, rather like R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I tried for M 93. It was easy, just like its Hubble photograph. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident M 60. It reminded me of a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook M 84. It appeared as Gollum. Next, I helped a beginner find Abell 55. It took me back to the first time I saw a cantilever bra.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I found B 420. It seemed almost cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I slewed to M 76. It took me back to the first time I saw a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I found by accident M 24. It appeared at low power like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
After a short break to chat, I studied NGC 4818. It seemed almost a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I checked out M 103 in Draco. It sparkled like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, I slewed to B 176. It was a blurry likeness of Alan Rickman. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 1338. It reminded me of Smokey the Bear.
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 hot poker rammed up your nose.