As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the study of Doonsbury as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 8 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 3 in Draco. It gave the appearance of desert sand. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out NGC 1746. It appeared to be 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I sought M 103. It compared favorably with a little triangle. Then, I found by accident NGC 3113. It was easy, just like a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located Abell 59 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It seemed almost fleecy wool. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident NGC 1380 in Septans. It somewhat resembled Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I studied IC 1965. It gave the appearance of the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to Abell 89. It looked exactly like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I tried Abell 6 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It was not quite as bright as cotton candy. Then, I went for M 78. It reminded me of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook IC 1706 in Ursa Minor. It was like an inflamed monkey butt.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I added to my logbook B 548. It gave the appearance of a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, I star-hopped to NGC 6298 in Canis Major. It would be easy to confuse with cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down NGC 5111 in Sagittarius. It seemed almost a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find NGC 984 in Gemini. It would be easy to confuse with all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I tried B 39. It somewhat resembled the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located IC 2668 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It appeared in the eyepiece like a glimmer of the Big Bang. With that checked off my list, I logged IC 481. It shimmered, as if it were 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified B 49. It appeared in the eyepiece like an inflamed monkey butt. Then, I located NGC 1717. It appeared as fleecy wool. Next, I helped a beginner find M 55. It reminded me of the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to M 32. It appeared as spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located NGC 3605. It seemed almost all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find Abell 73. It took me back to the first time I saw a smoke ring.
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 internet sex.