As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the current state of my 401K 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 59 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 10. It would be easy to confuse with lumpy darkness.
After a short break to walk around, I nudged my telescope to B 221. It appeared at low power like whipped cream. After that, I sought M 75. It appeared in the eyepiece like blackness. Then, I tried IC 3356. It seemed just like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, I star-hopped to B 353. It compared favorably with ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out NGC 3929. It reminded me of black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I looked at IC 2314. It was even more difficult than dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I identified M 88. It appeared at low power like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon B 158. It reminded me of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
After a short break to check my email, I glimpsed M 55. It was like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, I logged IC 2555 in Camelopardalis. It was a dead ringer for two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed Abell 48. It was not quite as bright as R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I logged Abell 33 in Lynx. It glowed, rather like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I found by accident B 424. It somewhat resembled Gollum. After that, I stumbled upon IC 1341. It was not quite as bright as black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to B 180. It compared favorably with a whale spouting. Next, I glimpsed M 109. It looked exactly like a spitting cobra. Then, I studied NGC 5973. It sparkled like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, I found by accident Abell 11. It seemed just like black pearls on flocked paper. Next, I had a chance to see B 454. It was as bright as the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I identified M 2. It was a dead ringer for a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I showed some guests NGC 5921. It appeared to be Alan Rickman. Next, I observed NGC 1250. It glowed, rather like a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star.
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 24-hour 007 marathon.