As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of the energy crisis as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 50 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 89 in Sculptor. It was not quite as bright as blackness. With that checked off my list, I sketched NGC 2377. It appeared at low power like dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to IC 1567. It somewhat resembled a whale spouting. With that checked off my list, I sought NGC 6564. It somewhat resembled Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. With that checked off my list, I hunted for M 17 in Orion. It reminded me of one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests B 25. It gave the appearance of whipped cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to Abell 78. It gave the appearance of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed B 424. It was a dead ringer for a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon M 85. It appeared at low power like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After that, I observed IC 1567. It was like R2-D2.
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 stacking 400 Mars images by hand.