As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the deep impact of the energy crisis 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 45 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 62. It sparkled like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon NGC 4813. It was a dead ringer for a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, for a real challenge, I tried Abell 58 in Septans. It compared favorably with spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, I checked out Abell 3. It was not quite as bright as a glimmer of the Big Bang. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find IC 422 in Septans. It was as bright as one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed Abell 53. It looked like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I observed B 519. It seemed just like a cantilever bra. With that checked off my list, I went for IC 533 in Canis Major. It reminded me of a cantilever bra.
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 reading observing reports.