As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of the energy crisis 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 59 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 102. It compared favorably with George W. Bush. With that checked off my list, I checked off NGC 2419. It was even more difficult than a whale spouting. With that checked off my list, I slewed to Abell 71 in Camelopardalis. It looked like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After that, I checked off IC 1806. It appeared to be the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. With that checked off my list, I hunted for B 566. It looked a bit like a cantilever bra. Then, I accidentally located M 98 in Orion. It was a blurry likeness of cream being swirled into hot coffee. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged NGC 4313. It appeared in the eyepiece like the face of God. After that, I star-hopped to M 76. It was even more difficult than Alan Rickman. Then, for a real challenge, I tried Abell 94. It looked exactly like diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I located Abell 41. It was a blurry likeness of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched IC 3402. It was a blurry likeness of Demi Moore. Next, I showed some guests Abell 62. It was even more difficult than George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find Abell 71 in that confusing part of Virgo. It was a dead ringer for an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After that, I studied Abell 84. It somewhat resembled Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests NGC 2607. It looked uncannily like its Hubble photograph. Next, I slewed to Abell 88 in Fornax. It was a dead ringer for the face of God.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I logged NGC 5800. It appeared at low power like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After that, I star-hopped to Abell 22. It was even more difficult than fleecy wool. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched NGC 4355. It looked like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified B 410. It looked uncannily like a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, I tried NGC 1169 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It was easy, just like fleecy wool. Next, I looked at Abell 95. It seemed just like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, I checked out IC 3497. It was a blurry likeness of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
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.