As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the popularity of Yahoo P/E ratios 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 21 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 82. It appeared to be a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests B 107. It seemed most like black pearls on flocked paper. After that, I found M 110. It shimmered, as if it were the face of God.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I glimpsed M 74 in Ophiuchus. It appeared to be cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked off NGC 3099. It seemed just like a spitting cobra. Next, I located B 78 in Gemini. It glowed, rather like cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find Abell 18. It was like whipped cream. Next, I tracked down NGC 2141. It compared favorably with dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to NGC 6657. It somewhat resembled a little triangle. After that, I tried NGC 3449. It seemed almost dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I found Abell 2 in Canis Major. It compared favorably with diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I tried Abell 34. It gave the appearance of two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, I tried for M 50. It seemed most like Demi Moore. With that checked off my list, I checked off M 88. It was even more difficult than a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied M 26 in Cygnus. It was a dead ringer for yet another globular. With that checked off my list, I observed IC 3268. It was not quite as bright as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I showed some guests Abell 78 in Gemini. It glowed, rather like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed IC 411. It was as bright as the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests NGC 1428 in Fornax. It sparkled like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed Abell 61. It appeared as spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I studied IC 2695. It was a blurry likeness of a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed B 45 in Virgo. It appeared at low power like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, I glimpsed M 58. It was easy, just like the eternal nothingness of being.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.