Star Gazing in the Middle of the Ocean

Last night, a group of us met on the flight deck to look at the stars.  Richard, one of the Merchant Marines here on the Mercy, is somewhat of an expert and gave us a "Night Sky Tour."  He obtained permission to bring us up on the bridge where they keep the "Big Eyes" ( a huge, powerful set of binoculars).  The moon was full, so it wasn't the greatest night to see the stars with the brightness of the moon drowning out the stars, but we saw plenty!  I had my little pair of binoculars and was able to see amazing star clusters and the red color of Venus.

There were 4 planets visible last night: Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Uranus.  He showed us that we could see 3 moons around Jupiter with "Big Eyes!"  It was wonderful!

The view I saw was SO much brighter and more beautiful!
Then, he focused "Big Eyes" onto the moon and showed us the Sea of Tranquility!  I've never looked at the moon with the ability to actually see its topography before.  It was amazing and beautiful!  Thank you, Richard!!!!!

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