Researchers are preparing to explore a shipwreck off the North Carolina coast and the public is invited to join them virtually. Beginning May 15th, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists and partnering agencies will embark on a two-week mission to study the USS Monitor, the U.S. Navy’s first ironclad warship. The vessel sunk in 1862 during a storm off the coast of Cape Hatteras. Researchers will also collect information on natural reefs and the maritime cultural landscape using remotely piloted submersibles. According to a release from NOAA, this is the first in-depth survey of the USS Monitor since the recovery of the vessel’s gun turret in 2002. The mission will run through May 25th and be live-streamed online.