Stars Over The Gulf III

The 3rd 'Laramie' Star Party was held last night on the flight deck with the ship moored in the lovely port of Muscat, Oman. I decided to keep things simple and user-friendly as I am in the process of recovering from a nasty ankle sprain two days ago, and so only set-up the Astroscan for a little Moon-gazing.

A half-dozen Shipmates came out to observe Luna, including Captain Donnelly, Chief Mate Lawson, ship's medical maven Nicole "Doc" Shounder and budding astronomer Africa Foster (pictured meeting the Astroscan).

Along with the first-quarter Moon, the International Space Station put in a dazzling appearance. The ISS passed almost directly overhead, Venus-bright--its track neatly bisecting the twilit sky from northwest to southeast. Beautiful!

Good friends, a bright moon, and a Visitor From Space; a pleasant way to spend a warm pierside evening before we head back to sea. I'm glad I started these little ship-board gatherings last month--I do so enjoy spreading the word about the stars and what you can see and experience if only you...

"Watch the skies. Keep watching the skies!"