As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the morality of Dilbert 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 21 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 97. It seemed just like Alan Rickman. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down IC 1034 in Ursa Minor. It appeared in the eyepiece like dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I glimpsed Abell 12. It appeared in the eyepiece like the face of God. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident B 487. It was easy, just like yet another globular. Then, I stumbled upon NGC 2017. It seemed almost 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After that, I nudged my telescope to NGC 2003. It compared favorably with one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched Abell 61. It appeared as one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find Abell 23. It shimmered, as if it were a spider. Then, I located Abell 24. It seemed almost a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After that, I slewed to NGC 5016. It shimmered, as if it were its Hubble photograph. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook Abell 75. It was a dead ringer for spent coals, faintly glowing. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I went for B 57. It would be easy to confuse with black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests Abell 59. It appeared to be nothing I'd ever seen before. After that, I sought Abell 37. It would be easy to confuse with Gollum. With that checked off my list, I studied M 8 in Ursa Minor. It reminded me of a swarm of bees. Next, I sought NGC 4310. It sparkled like an inflamed monkey butt. After that, I found by accident M 41. It looked uncannily like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
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.