As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of tight underwear as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 41 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 74. It was like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, I nudged my telescope to Abell 6. It looked exactly like cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I logged Abell 44. It seemed just like a UFO. Then, I nudged my telescope to M 79. It looked like cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted M 44 in Fornax. It compared favorably with a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I sketched NGC 2945. It looked like Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied B 249. It appeared to be diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to Abell 4 in Cygnus. It was a dead ringer for Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident Abell 66. It glowed, rather like diamonds on black velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for IC 3347 in Corvus. It compared favorably with the pillars of creation. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged Abell 64 in Orion. It shimmered, as if it were a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I hunted for Abell 69. It was even more difficult than two scoops of spumoni ice cream.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I checked out IC 926. It looked exactly like a spitting cobra. Next, I added to my logbook IC 3900 in Hydra. It was like Miss Piggy. Next, I had a chance to see NGC 2060 in Perseus. It looked like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
After a short break to have a smoke, I showed some guests NGC 5784 in Camelopardalis. It glowed, rather like the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests Abell 17 in Virgo. It appeared at low power like a little triangle. With that checked off my list, I sought NGC 5471. It compared favorably with smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook NGC 4290. It appeared in the eyepiece like fleecy wool.
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 out under the stars with people you hate.