As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the insignificance of the universe as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 19 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 43. It appeared at low power like dancing elephants. Next, I tried for Abell 82 in Lynx. It looked exactly like diamonds on black velvet. Then, I tracked down Abell 86. It was even more difficult than a UFO. Then, I checked off NGC 4802. It compared favorably with cotton on velvet.
After a short break to chat, I nudged my telescope to Abell 57. It glowed, rather like fleecy wool. Then, I stumbled upon M 97. It looked a bit like blackness. Next, I jumped to M 42. It was better than a nebula. Then, I went for B 481. It appeared as the eternal nothingness of being. After that, I had a chance to see M 89 in Gemini. It was better than one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected M 19 in Draco. It somewhat resembled diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at NGC 625 in Lyra. It somewhat resembled all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I nudged my telescope to NGC 4729. It seemed just like Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon NGC 6989. It somewhat resembled the exhaust from a diesel Suburban.
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 sex.