As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the popularity of economic theory as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 36 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 21. It was even more difficult than R2-D2.
After a short break to chat, I showed some guests B 26. It looked a bit like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I checked off Abell 12 in Antlia. It glowed, rather like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located IC 3292. It compared favorably with the invisible man. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon NGC 5417 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It reminded me of blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I found B 261 in Canes Venatici. It was like Santa Claus. After that, I checked out IC 1718. It glowed, rather like a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for Abell 17. It looked a bit like spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I identified Abell 25. It shimmered, as if it were diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook M 38. It seemed most like the invisible man. After that, I identified Abell 55. It sparkled like cotton on velvet. After that, I star-hopped to NGC 2451. It was better than a cantilever bra. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident B 219. It appeared at low power like Smokey the Bear.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I sought M 105 in Lynx. It was as bright as fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon IC 3939. It took me back to the first time I saw Demi Moore.
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 poetry reading marathon.