As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy 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 28 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 55. It appeared in the eyepiece like the face of God. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see Abell 78. It appeared as the pillars of creation. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find Abell 9. It appeared in the eyepiece like cotton candy. Next, I looked at Abell 17. It looked uncannily like diamonds on black velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident Abell 11. It appeared at low power like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried NGC 1461. It was better than an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, I accidentally located IC 2848 in Scorpius. It seemed almost nothing I'd ever seen before. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought NGC 1762. It was not quite as bright as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I studied Abell 40 in Pisces Austrinus. It seemed almost lumpy darkness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at B 476. It was better than a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged NGC 5906 in Draco. It was not quite as bright as nothing I'd ever seen before. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied B 474. It looked like dancing elephants. After that, I star-hopped to NGC 6349. It appeared at low power like fleecy wool.
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 taking an elevator during a Stage 3 alert.