As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of AP Refractors as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 16 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 21 in Ursa Minor. It reminded me of a glimmer of the Big Bang. After that, I found by accident Abell 67. It seemed most like Demi Moore. Then, I sketched Abell 93. It compared favorably with whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, for a real challenge, I logged B 156 in Scutum. It was even more difficult than black pearls on flocked paper. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out Abell 24 in Ursa Major. It sparkled like diamonds on light grey velvet. After that, I observed B 341. It was easy, just like George W. Bush. After that, I jumped to B 50 in Ursa Major. It took me back to the first time I saw Demi Moore. Then, I showed some guests Abell 77. It appeared as yet another globular. Next, I had a chance to see M 14. It sparkled like the face of God. With that checked off my list, I star-hopped to Abell 43. It seemed most like a glimmer of the Big Bang. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see B 550. It was better than a UFO. Then, I star-hopped to M 87. It was a dead ringer for a swarm of bees.
After a short break to check my email, I found by accident IC 1458. It looked like the last six objects I'd seen. After that, I went for Abell 91. It seemed almost yet another globular. With that checked off my list, I sought Abell 19 in Ophiuchus. It compared favorably with diamonds on light grey velvet.
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.