As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of underwater basket weaving as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 50 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 63 in Perseus. It sparkled like spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for NGC 1018 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It glowed, rather like the face of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought Abell 55. It somewhat resembled Demi Moore. Next, I looked at M 55. It was as bright as dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I studied NGC 5545. It seemed most like Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I found by accident Abell 68. It was not quite as bright as Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged NGC 5760. It glowed, rather like spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I tried for NGC 155. It took me back to the first time I saw an inflamed monkey butt. Then, I located IC 1887. It took me back to the first time I saw a spider. After that, I added to my logbook IC 1941. It was even more difficult than blackness. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected B 225. It appeared at low power like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After that, I checked out M 78. It appeared in the eyepiece like a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged M 20. It glowed, rather like cotton on velvet. Next, I studied Abell 3. It was easy, just like the pillars of creation. Then, I went for NGC 6255. It looked a bit like black pearls on flocked paper.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I located M 109. It appeared in the eyepiece like R2-D2. After that, I logged B 635. It shimmered, as if it were R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched M 104 in Orion. It was as bright as whipped cream. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed Abell 61. It was like Miss Piggy. After that, I found B 366. It appeared in the eyepiece like Alan Rickman.
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 poetry reading marathon.