As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of astrology 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 30 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 98. It glowed, rather like the invisible man. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down NGC 4471. It somewhat resembled that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I stumbled upon Abell 34 in Gemini. It seemed just like Gollum. After that, I sketched IC 3234 in Triangulum. It was not quite as bright as cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, I checked off IC 2838. It seemed almost the eye of God.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I accidentally located B 405. It compared favorably with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook NGC 1044. It reminded me of nothing I'd ever seen before. After that, I logged M 17. It was better than the invisible man. Next, I tried for Abell 81. It seemed most like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook Abell 13. It looked like desert sand. Then, I tried IC 2532. It looked a bit like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. Then, I nudged my telescope to B 36. It seemed fainter than Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I checked off Abell 30. It seemed just like cotton on velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched B 575. It looked a bit like a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon Abell 57. It appeared in the eyepiece like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After that, I showed some guests IC 3082. It was better than spent coals, faintly glowing. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to Abell 88. It looked like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, I tried for IC 3789 in Hydra. It was like R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I found Abell 66. It appeared to be whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied B 309 in Lepus. It appeared in the eyepiece like a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I tried M 27. It shimmered, as if it were a whale spouting. Next, I hunted for IC 1619. It looked exactly like Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I logged IC 1813 in Antlia. It seemed just like Demi Moore.
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 root canal.