As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the popularity of cosmology 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 40 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 102. It was better than diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I identified IC 2402. It would be easy to confuse with the pillars of creation. Next, I tried for Abell 7. It was a blurry likeness of cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to B 380. It looked a bit like desert sand.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I stumbled upon NGC 2210. It appeared as blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched IC 493. It was like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon IC 376 in Scutum. It was better than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident Abell 51. It looked uncannily like the pillars of creation. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to IC 1115. It was better than a far-away cloud. After that, I glimpsed M 3 in Triangulum. It seemed almost whipped cream.
After a short break to check my email, I observed NGC 5789 in Ursa Minor. It seemed almost a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, for a real challenge, I helped a beginner find IC 1347 in Orion. It appeared in the eyepiece like black pearls on flocked paper. With that checked off my list, I looked at NGC 1518. It was easy, just like the pillars of creation. Then, for a real challenge, I studied B 44 in Perseus. It seemed most like a swarm of bees. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located NGC 502. It shimmered, as if it were 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I added to my logbook B 304 in Canes Venatici. It was even more difficult than Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests M 74. It looked exactly like a glimmer of the Big Bang. With that checked off my list, I tried IC 3437 in Draco. It looked exactly like George W. Bush.
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 looking at another first attempt to image the Lagoon Nebula.