As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the study of Doonsbury as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 43 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 34. It looked like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon M 58. It was a dead ringer for fleecy wool. Then, I nudged my telescope to NGC 1292 in Lynx. It seemed just like one of Martha Stewart's doilies.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I looked for and suspected M 102. It seemed almost a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find B 366 in Ursa Minor. It reminded me of its Hubble photograph. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified NGC 6725. It looked uncannily like cotton candy. With that checked off my list, I sketched Abell 32. It was even more difficult than black pearls on flocked paper. Next, I sought Abell 34. It appeared as a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected IC 3980. It reminded me of Dubya. After that, I helped a beginner find Abell 55. It sparkled like Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I sought B 640. It looked like a smoke ring. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found NGC 180 in Fornax. It appeared to be the eternal nothingness of being.
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 24-hour 007 marathon.