As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of economic theory 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 53 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 102 in Lynx. It seemed fainter than diamonds on black velvet.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I checked off Abell 76 in Draco. It seemed almost a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I located IC 790 in Lynx. It sparkled like the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to IC 2909. It looked a bit like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I located B 224. It compared favorably with a swarm of bees. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found M 56. It somewhat resembled cotton on velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to NGC 5079 in Serpens. It was easy, just like fleecy wool.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I checked off IC 1144. It appeared as R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to Abell 44 in Sculptor. It was like diamonds on black velvet. Then, I looked for and suspected Abell 46 in Fornax. It took me back to the first time I saw a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to Abell 7. It was even more difficult than a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, I looked at Abell 15. It shimmered, as if it were R2-D2. Next, I checked off IC 3735 in Antlia. It appeared as a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found NGC 631 in Orion. It seemed just like R2-D2. Next, I added to my logbook B 91. It was like two scoops of spumoni ice cream.
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 cleaning the bathroom.