As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of world hunger as I contemplated the night's aurora display. 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 14. It was easy, just like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I logged B 539. It looked exactly like the invisible man. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed NGC 6453 in Perseus. It appeared at low power like a cantilever bra. Next, I looked for and suspected IC 1989. It was as bright as a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed M 81. It reminded me of a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, I tracked down B 213. It was like a waterfall. Then, I showed some guests M 45. It appeared as one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After that, I identified NGC 6706. It reminded me of a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests Abell 41. It was as bright as a whale spouting. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted Abell 81. It was better than diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located Abell 36 in Canis Major. It reminded me of the last six objects I'd seen. With that checked off my list, I observed IC 925. It would be easy to confuse with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, for a real challenge, I logged B 254. It appeared in the eyepiece like the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for M 51 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It somewhat resembled a cantilever bra. After that, I identified M 16. It appeared as an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, I checked off IC 1871 in Sagittarius. It would be easy to confuse with cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find NGC 4594. It was easy, just like Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I sought B 262 in Fornax. It was a dead ringer for Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located IC 1808. It reminded me of a whale spouting.
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 spending the evening reading blogs.