As I drove up the winding road to the Peak, I idly mused upon the inner workings of underwater basket weaving as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 6 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 35. It was as bright as dancing elephants. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed B 436. It was like the pillars of creation.
After a short break to chat, I sought Abell 77. It shimmered, as if it were Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I identified NGC 5775. It appeared at low power like cotton on velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located IC 707 in Ursa Minor. It seemed just like whipped cream. After that, I star-hopped to Abell 68. It appeared at low power like a cantilever bra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged M 17 in Antlia. It glowed, rather like ripples of water. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed NGC 1724 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It reminded me of Miss Piggy. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down NGC 2522. It appeared as Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, I observed B 479 in Scorpius. It looked uncannily like a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident NGC 6398. It compared favorably with a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, I observed NGC 1979. It reminded me of Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to Abell 20 in Scorpius. It looked uncannily like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, I showed some guests NGC 4542. It appeared in the eyepiece like cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon Abell 21 in Serpens. It appeared in the eyepiece like the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed M 18 in Septans. It looked a bit like Alan Rickman. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for B 535. It looked exactly like a smoke ring. Then, I star-hopped to M 24. It appeared as black pearls on flocked paper.
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 reading Beowulf in Old English.