As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of Yahoo P/E ratios as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. 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 26. It appeared at low power like dandruff on black satin pajamas.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I tried for IC 1278. It shimmered, as if it were desert sand. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged Abell 53. It compared favorably with a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I found NGC 6687 in Lepus. It appeared as a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident IC 1963. It took me back to the first time I saw an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, I stumbled upon B 511. It seemed almost ripples of water.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I nudged my telescope to B 547. It would be easy to confuse with the eternal nothingness of being. After that, I stumbled upon IC 372. It looked like the eye of God.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I hunted for Abell 67. It appeared in the eyepiece like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident M 105 in Triangulum. It was even more difficult than a nebula. With that checked off my list, I studied M 91 in Serpens. It was as bright as a glimmer of the Big Bang. With that checked off my list, I found by accident M 39. It seemed almost spent coals, faintly glowing.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I glimpsed NGC 5729 in Orion. It reminded me of a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). After that, I sought Abell 96. It looked uncannily like Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I tried Abell 69 in Cygnus. It was easy, just like a cantilever bra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed M 90. It took me back to the first time I saw a spider.
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 getting shot in the face by Dick Cheney.