As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the higher implications of this Pale Blue Dot we call home 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 15 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 70 in Gemini. It was a blurry likeness of cotton candy. After that, I checked off M 35 in Camelopardalis. It seemed fainter than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I went for B 89. It seemed most like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I found IC 2397. It was as bright as Gollum. Then, I nudged my telescope to IC 1165. It was a dead ringer for a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied NGC 3940 in Scutum. It seemed just like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After that, I accidentally located M 83. It took me back to the first time I saw the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, I looked at IC 3209. It was even more difficult than the last six objects I'd seen.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I star-hopped to NGC 6196 in Gemini. It was like Demi Moore. After that, I glimpsed M 74. It seemed most like Dubya. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected Abell 23. It seemed fainter than R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook NGC 1710 in Perseus. It took me back to the first time I saw the clouds I'd seen earlier. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests M 91. It sparkled like an inflamed monkey butt. Then, I added to my logbook B 356. It was better than spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I added to my logbook NGC 1114 in Scorpius. It seemed most like a nebula. After that, I hunted B 45. It somewhat resembled ripples of water. After that, I helped a beginner find M 99. It would be easy to confuse with whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I observed NGC 3476. It gave the appearance of desert sand. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see Abell 58 in Camelopardalis. It was as bright as diamonds on black velvet. Then, I checked off IC 1924. It glowed, rather like R2-D2.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I nudged my telescope to M 106. It looked uncannily like a nebula. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located IC 1433 in Lepus. It shimmered, as if it were a whale spouting. Then, I went for B 4. It reminded me of a whale spouting. Then, I located NGC 1127 in the western sky. It somewhat resembled a swarm of bees.
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.