As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of AP Refractors 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 34 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 80. It took me back to the first time I saw one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought B 429 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It reminded me of the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook B 386 in Canis Major. It looked a bit like black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I stumbled upon NGC 117. It appeared as an inflamed monkey butt.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I showed some guests Abell 11. It was even more difficult than a nebula. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tracked down IC 305. It was like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, for a real challenge, I identified B 150. It seemed most like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I checked out Abell 44. It was better than a glimmer of the Big Bang. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for NGC 2041 in Ursa Minor. It was easy, just like its Hubble photograph. With that checked off my list, I logged IC 1882. It was as bright as the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, I identified M 42. It appeared in the eyepiece like a glimmer of the Big Bang. With that checked off my list, I studied IC 1356. It seemed almost an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, I added to my logbook Abell 78. It looked uncannily like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, I studied NGC 6288. It looked uncannily like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed B 415. It seemed almost cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for IC 62. It reminded me of whipped cream. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located B 476. It seemed fainter than cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon IC 266. It appeared to be a glimmer of the Big Bang.
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.