As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of the energy crisis as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 14 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 76. It was as bright as the pillars of creation. Then, I glimpsed IC 3767. It appeared at low power like spent coals, faintly glowing. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed M 94. It was like George W. Bush. Then, I accidentally located IC 2800. It seemed fainter than smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, I glimpsed M 2. It appeared at low power like a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests B 192. It reminded me of R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I hunted for M 90 in Scorpius. It was even more difficult than an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, I observed NGC 248. It took me back to the first time I saw a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I studied Abell 30. It seemed most like Gollum. Next, I found NGC 3847. It looked exactly like the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to B 492. It was better than the eye of God. Then, I identified NGC 3243. It would be easy to confuse with a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to Abell 56. It was easy, just like its Hubble photograph. Next, I slewed to IC 1807 in Orion. It was like an inflamed monkey butt.
After a short break to do some yoga, I helped a beginner find M 36. It looked like the clouds I'd seen earlier. After that, I stumbled upon NGC 3791 in Scorpius. It seemed just like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident B 339 in Sculptor. It appeared at low power like R2-D2. After that, I tracked down B 585. It seemed almost dandruff on black satin pajamas.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.