As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of world hunger 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 23 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 43. It compared favorably with Alan Rickman. Next, I glimpsed B 520. It looked like cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I tried for NGC 5254. It appeared at low power like Gollum. After that, I star-hopped to NGC 1625. It was better than Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out IC 3431 in Fornax. It was as bright as nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, I hunted IC 1933 in Gemini. It took me back to the first time I saw 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After that, I looked for and suspected NGC 792. It appeared at low power like the eye of God. Then, I tried for M 31. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident Abell 78 in the western sky. It seemed fainter than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I tried for M 104. It seemed almost Santa Claus.
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 cleaning the bathroom.