As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the study of tight underwear 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 10 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 104. It glowed, rather like a UFO. Next, I accidentally located NGC 100. It looked exactly like a UFO.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I tried NGC 5973. It seemed just like a waterfall. Then, for a real challenge, I found B 201. It seemed almost a UFO. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon Abell 39. It reminded me of the face of God. With that checked off my list, I slewed to IC 1119. It would be easy to confuse with 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I had a chance to see Abell 63. It seemed almost the face of God. Next, I logged NGC 427. It was even more difficult than a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find IC 3587 in Draco. It was like cotton on velvet. After that, I checked off Abell 83. It appeared at low power like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
After a short break to have a smoke, I went for NGC 1088. It seemed fainter than blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to M 61. It appeared in the eyepiece like dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I tried B 415 in Canes Venatici. It seemed fainter than dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I nudged my telescope to IC 1269 in Canes Venatici. It appeared as a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected B 611 in Orion. It gave the appearance of diamonds on black velvet.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I went for B 511 in Lynx. It seemed most like cotton candy. Next, I looked for and suspected NGC 475. It was a blurry likeness of a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down IC 2531. It would be easy to confuse with ripples of water. After that, I looked at M 72. It compared favorably with an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to B 176. It looked a bit like the eye of God.
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 poke in the eye with a frozen dishrag.