As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the morality of world hunger 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 33 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 86. It seemed just like yet another globular.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I helped a beginner find B 576. It appeared at low power like R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I went for NGC 2118 in Orion. It was a dead ringer for Miss Piggy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for NGC 589 in Lepus. It seemed most like Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed NGC 3919. It looked like lumpy darkness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed Abell 73. It would be easy to confuse with the invisible man.
After a short break to do some yoga, I checked off B 198. It was as bright as a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, I tried B 253. It would be easy to confuse with whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected IC 1543. It was even more difficult than cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected M 27. It shimmered, as if it were desert sand. After that, I studied NGC 5586 in Ursa Minor. It gave the appearance of a whale spouting. Then, I added to my logbook B 322. It seemed just like the clouds I'd seen earlier. After that, I added to my logbook IC 3227 in that confusing part of Virgo. It was like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. With that checked off my list, I jumped to IC 1028. It somewhat resembled 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I found B 211. It gave the appearance of a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook M 81. It glowed, rather like a far-away cloud.
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 night watching an I Love Lucy marathon on Nick at Night.