As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the deep impact of my 401K 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 27 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 22. It looked exactly like Demi Moore. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found M 84 in Gemini. It was like Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at B 146. It shimmered, as if it were cotton on velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for Abell 7 in Scorpius. It took me back to the first time I saw cotton candy. Then, I logged M 102. It looked a bit like blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident NGC 537 in Canes Venatici. It seemed most like the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for IC 279 in Serpens. It looked uncannily like whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to B 618. It was a dead ringer for a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted B 411. It would be easy to confuse with the pillars of creation. Then, for a real challenge, I located IC 3807. It took me back to the first time I saw lumpy darkness. After that, I went for Abell 78. It was as bright as the pillars of creation.
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 hot poker rammed up your nose.