As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of the energy crisis 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 16 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 90 in Hydra. It was easy, just like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find NGC 2568 in Draco. It glowed, rather like the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed B 202. It gave the appearance of Santa Claus. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to Abell 74 in Gemini. It was easy, just like a far-away cloud.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I studied IC 109. It took me back to the first time I saw the face of God. After that, I hunted for Abell 85 in Draco. It appeared to be diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at NGC 1320. It was a blurry likeness of cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I went for M 31. It reminded me of that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I hunted NGC 3993. It appeared as a cantilever bra. Then, for a real challenge, I went for M 15. It reminded me of a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I had a chance to see B 510. It reminded me of dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched B 29 in Fornax. It compared favorably with a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon NGC 3011. It glowed, rather like fleecy wool. After that, I showed some guests B 229. It was better than the clouds I'd seen earlier. After that, I star-hopped to Abell 66. It was as bright as 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 looking at another first attempt to image the Lagoon Nebula.