As I drove up the winding road to Henry Coe State Park, I idly mused upon the insignificance of the universe 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 50 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 71. It took me back to the first time I saw yet another globular. Next, I helped a beginner find B 214. It shimmered, as if it were whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After that, I helped a beginner find M 57. It looked exactly like ripples of water. Then, I showed some guests Abell 1. It was a blurry likeness of Miss Piggy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied M 96. It looked exactly like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, I found IC 3451 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It looked like blackness. Next, I identified IC 2933. It seemed just like a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I identified M 86 in Lyra. It compared favorably with the clouds I'd seen earlier. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for Abell 50. It reminded me of a spider. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged NGC 1938. It seemed just like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I slewed to B 631. It was not quite as bright as nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for IC 2838. It was easy, just like cream being swirled into hot coffee. After that, I jumped to Abell 8. It was as bright as a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident Abell 91. It was a dead ringer for black pearls on flocked paper. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 3495. It shimmered, as if it were ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for B 115. It was easy, just like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I looked for and suspected B 565 in Septans. It took me back to the first time I saw all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out Abell 64 in Serpens. It seemed fainter than an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, I hunted for IC 3755. It seemed just like a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected B 179. It looked exactly like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I tracked down IC 2170. It reminded me of a cantilever bra. Then, I found by accident M 1. It appeared in the eyepiece like black pearls on flocked paper.
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.