As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of Yahoo P/E ratios as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 3 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 100 in Perseus. It appeared to be Gollum. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at M 8. It would be easy to confuse with George W. Bush. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied Abell 79. It looked a bit like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I helped a beginner find NGC 3867 in Ursa Major. It looked exactly like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I tried for IC 761 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It was even more difficult than black pearls on flocked paper. After that, I studied M 80 in Antlia. It reminded me of a whale spouting. Then, I star-hopped to NGC 4593. It was not quite as bright as spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I checked out IC 1530. It seemed most like the last six objects I'd seen. After that, I had a chance to see Abell 40 in Canis Major. It looked exactly like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied M 69 in Lyra. It looked exactly like the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I checked out M 30 in Scutum. It took me back to the first time I saw diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected NGC 1383. It shimmered, as if it were cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I observed M 70. It appeared to be the eternal nothingness of being. Then, I slewed to M 93. It would be easy to confuse with a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I checked out M 98. It was easy, just like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After that, I tried for B 638. It was easy, just like cotton candy. After that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 19 in the western sky. It seemed fainter than the eye of God.
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.