As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the popularity of economic theory as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 41 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 74 in Corvus. It was better than Miss Piggy. After that, I added to my logbook M 5. It seemed just like diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I tracked down Abell 72. It was easy, just like a UFO. With that checked off my list, I found by accident IC 2470. It was like a spitting cobra. Then, I sought M 78 in Camelopardalis. It was a blurry likeness of lumpy darkness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook B 167. It was even more difficult than a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Then, I hunted Abell 94. It was a blurry likeness of a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I logged M 36. It was even more difficult than Alan Rickman. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down Abell 4. It looked like Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for M 27. It reminded me of a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I located IC 3932. It seemed fainter than cotton on velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched M 27. It compared favorably with fleecy wool. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for IC 2178. It glowed, rather like whipped cream. Next, I sought M 99. It was easy, just like a little triangle. After that, I tried Abell 92 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It looked uncannily like the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried Abell 72. It glowed, rather like Smokey the Bear. Next, I accidentally located NGC 5020. It appeared in the eyepiece like Alan Rickman. Next, I found B 561. It looked exactly like a swarm of bees. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to Abell 7 in Ursa Major. It seemed fainter than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought Abell 34 in Serpens. It was not quite as bright as Gollum. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted Abell 98 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It appeared as the face 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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.