As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the study of Doonsbury 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 51 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 83. It looked uncannily like cotton candy.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I looked at M 68 in Lepus. It appeared to be the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified M 86. It was as bright as nothing I'd ever seen before. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed IC 1606. It reminded me of smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, I hunted M 6. It took me back to the first time I saw diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I observed NGC 164. It glowed, rather like diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I found by accident Abell 26. It was better than the eternal nothingness of being. Next, I studied M 71. It somewhat resembled a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, I showed some guests M 100. It sparkled like an inflamed monkey butt. After that, I looked at NGC 3546. It reminded me of whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I sought Abell 1. It seemed almost a waterfall. Next, I hunted M 28 in Camelopardalis. It reminded me of black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I studied B 634. It appeared in the eyepiece like blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off B 450. It reminded me of a little triangle. Next, I glimpsed B 136 in Draco. It shimmered, as if it were Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find M 40. It looked a bit like a whale spouting. Then, I looked at B 300 in Septans. It looked uncannily like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted Abell 33 in Gemini. It would be easy to confuse with a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests M 27 in Gemini. It glowed, rather like Demi Moore. Next, I checked out M 1 in Lyra. It looked uncannily like lumpy darkness. After that, I hunted for Abell 78. It was easy, just like a spitting cobra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged NGC 1255. It seemed almost spent coals, faintly glowing.
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 spending a day at the mall with my teenage daughter.