As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of Yahoo P/E ratios as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 41 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 34 in Ursa Major. It was a dead ringer for whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident M 17 in Virgo. It was better than ripples of water. Then, I found IC 1111. It appeared in the eyepiece like the clouds I'd seen earlier.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I nudged my telescope to B 595. It seemed just like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to Abell 8. It appeared at low power like yet another globular. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to IC 149. It seemed fainter than diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see NGC 1517. It appeared at low power like cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to NGC 799. It reminded me of a whale spouting. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon B 608. It looked a bit like dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed NGC 6972. It glowed, rather like cotton candy. Then, I looked at IC 1969. It appeared at low power like Alan Rickman. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to IC 243 in Lepus. It seemed most like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. With that checked off my list, I sketched B 375. It looked exactly like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, I sketched IC 3944. It seemed fainter than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified IC 1867. It appeared to be all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
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 poetry reading marathon.