Hi Kevin, about the occlusion of the moon at altitude, I was wondering if it could have been due to the temperature of the atmosphere up there. Cold air at sea level floating over the ocean can produce strange optical effects, refracting the light, and making ships appear to be in one direction while they are actually several degrees off in a different direction.

Also, what if there were two layers of air at your altitude, one warm, the other cold. That might produce some optical effects.

Finally, what if there were thin clouds and ice forming a sheet at some distance from the airplane. Something like that might be able to block light.

Anyway, thanks for the story. It was interesting to read.