As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of the energy crisis as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 49 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 102. It appeared in the eyepiece like the pillars of creation.
After a short break to chat, I hunted for IC 3645. It was not quite as bright as the face of God. After that, I slewed to B 203 in Draco. It looked uncannily like the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified Abell 57 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It reminded me of yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed IC 964. It was better than a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests NGC 2686 in Ursa Minor. It reminded me of Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down M 9. It somewhat resembled a smoke ring. After that, I hunted for NGC 5331. It compared favorably with diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out NGC 236. It would be easy to confuse with a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I identified IC 2249 in Orion. It was even more difficult than Dubya.
After a short break to walk around, I tracked down IC 1860 in Perseus. It seemed most like Smokey the Bear. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for M 32 in Scorpius. It would be easy to confuse with Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon IC 1699. It was a dead ringer for the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched Abell 36 in Triangulum. It reminded me of blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought IC 3244 in Hydra. It appeared to be diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I found M 45. It somewhat resembled cream being swirled into hot coffee.
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 being strapped naked to an anthill.