As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of AP Refractors as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 5 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 73. It gave the appearance of George W. Bush. After that, I looked at IC 1664 in Corvus. It looked exactly like yet another globular. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located NGC 32 in Septans. It compared favorably with the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected B 118 in Sculptor. It was as bright as cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I tried B 206 in Lynx. It was even more difficult than whipped cream. Next, I hunted IC 1160 in Camelopardalis. It was easy, just like diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to B 89. It appeared to be an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, I hunted B 455. It would be easy to confuse with Alan Rickman. Then, I star-hopped to NGC 4337 in Virgo. It shimmered, as if it were yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to Abell 54. It seemed just like dancing elephants. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located M 95. It took me back to the first time I saw the pillars of creation. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off Abell 39. It appeared in the eyepiece like cotton candy. Then, I tried for M 15. It compared favorably with whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I went for Abell 13. It looked a bit like ripples of water. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon NGC 94. It was better than Gollum. After that, I logged Abell 12. It somewhat resembled its Hubble photograph. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to IC 1300. It seemed almost a nebula.
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.