As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the higher implications of the energy crisis 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 37 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 50 in Hydra. It was better than R2-D2. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests NGC 3865 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It appeared as diamonds on black velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to B 307 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It glowed, rather like lumpy darkness. With that checked off my list, I logged Abell 48. It was not quite as bright as cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed NGC 2027. It seemed fainter than diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook M 78. It was a blurry likeness of a little triangle. After that, I stumbled upon NGC 3860. It appeared at low power like cotton on velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected Abell 9. It took me back to the first time I saw Gollum. Then, I nudged my telescope to M 14 in Canes Venatici. It seemed just like a far-away cloud. With that checked off my list, I logged NGC 6353. It sparkled like fleecy wool. Then, I sought B 515. It was a blurry likeness of the clouds I'd seen earlier.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I tracked down B 280. It was even more difficult than its Hubble photograph. Then, I added to my logbook IC 3654 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It looked like a nebula. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected IC 20. It compared favorably with cotton candy. Next, I stumbled upon M 13 in Lynx. It was a blurry likeness of a smoke ring.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I sketched B 360. It was easy, just like an inflamed monkey butt. With that checked off my list, I found Abell 56. It somewhat resembled the face of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see B 390. It looked exactly like a smoke ring. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon IC 3009. It seemed almost a UFO. With that checked off my list, I observed NGC 6993. It looked exactly like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I observed M 97. It was not quite as bright as dandruff on black satin pajamas.
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 root canal.