As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the higher implications of Yahoo P/E ratios as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 36 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 17. It was better than R2-D2. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find Abell 75. It somewhat resembled nothing I'd ever seen before. With that checked off my list, I slewed to B 623. It was better than desert sand. Then, I identified IC 1743. It appeared at low power like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Next, I looked for and suspected M 48 in the western sky. It gave the appearance of R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I identified NGC 3834. It appeared at low power like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook M 15. It compared favorably with a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident M 104 in the western sky. It sparkled like black pearls on flocked paper. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found B 621 in Pisces Austrinus. It seemed just like the last six objects I'd seen. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located NGC 5978 in Sculptor. It looked like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to M 12. It shimmered, as if it were fleecy wool. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon IC 3928. It was easy, just like cotton on velvet. After that, I looked at Abell 81. It was a dead ringer for the pillars of creation. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for NGC 6826. It seemed just like Santa Claus. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried NGC 3441. It was not quite as bright as a glimmer of the Big Bang. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed M 48. It appeared in the eyepiece like Alan Rickman.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I checked out NGC 3593. It appeared to be a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected NGC 5301. It seemed fainter than diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to B 552. It seemed fainter than a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed Abell 76 in Sculptor. It reminded me of the face of God. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests Abell 1 in Virgo. It looked uncannily like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After that, I sketched Abell 67 in Antlia. It looked like blackness.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I found by accident NGC 4502 in Canes Venatici. It looked uncannily like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
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 ebola.