I did not read the explanation until you pointed out my lack of knowledge on the subject.

I know that you and I can figure out the reason why the moon does not seem flattenet by the Earth's atmosphere, but I'll ask anyway because it seems like an interesting question that has not been answered.

The following link contains pictures of the flattening effect of the moon.
Http://www.sundog.clara.co.uk/atoptics/moonflat.htm

This link gives some reference to the thickness of the Earth's atmosphere.
Http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/crew/exp6/spacechronicles1.html

As for the rivet count, I suppose it could be done today since the launch is postponed untill tommorrow :-)