Astronomy Travel
The ASP is pleased to partner with MWT Associates in their unique astronomy-focused tours and expeditions – a travel experience enriched by the expertise and knowledge of a distinguished lecture team. Please review the sample of upcoming trips below, and follow this link for more details and booking information.
As a corporate partner, MWT Associates provides financial charitable support to the ASP. We are very grateful to them, and encourage you all of ASP’s corporate partners. When you do, you help enable us to carry on our mission of fostering science literacy through astronomy for tomorrow’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) leaders.
2013 Destinations
Arctic: Midnight Sun aboard Silversea’s expedition Silver Explorer
June 25 – July 6, 2013
Sail with the ASP crossing the Arctic Circle to the land of the midnight sun aboard the 132 guest Silver Explorer. View polar bears in their natural habitat; look for antlered reindeer as you hike the tundra or walrus and seals or kayak around icebergs.
Silversea’s purpose-built Silver Explorer expedition ship has been designed specifically for navigating waters including both of earth’s polar regions. The Silver Explorer has a strengthened hull with a Lloyd’s Register ice-class.
English Astronomers: Sirs Halley, Harrison, Herschel, Wren
August 6 – 13, 2013
Years of astronomical study and research have brought the rich discoveries we share today. Join Astronomy magazine as we return to the paths and sites where once the greatest scientific researchers once lived and worked. We will also enjoy the heritage offered in London and surrounding towns of Bath and Oxford with a special visit to Greenwich Observatory and the Maritime Museum.
Kenya Total Solar Eclipse Safari
October 28 – November 10, 2013
The Great Rift Valley, which runs through Kenya, is considered by some the cradle of civilization and is justifiably one of the world’s best organized safari destinations in Africa. The traveler can see such a large variety of animals, including the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo and over 1200 species of birds. Here, the 2013 total eclipse path crosses the silt and sandstone where fossils of early man date back some 4.2 million years.
Africa Total Solar Eclipse
October 30 – November 12, 2013
The Solar Eclipse of 2013 will pass over the west coast of Africa near Libreville, Gabon, one of Africa’s most prosperous cities.
From the port city of Libreville the journey continues to Marrakech, Morocco and through the Atlas Mountains’ pine forests before descending into the valley of ancient Kasbahs and the caravan town of Quarzazate. Explore rocky landscape and food abundant palm oasis. Continuing to Zagora and Erfud which offer illuminated manuscripts on gazelle-skin parchment, the oldest dating from the 13th century and extensive fossil beds and meteorites. Fez, one of the oldest of the Imperial Cities, sparkle with ceramics and the famous blue fez. We invite you to join Astronomy magazine associate editor, Liz Kruesi, on this fascinating journey to Gabon and Morocco in search of an eclipse, Kasbahs, meteorites and dark skies.
Norway Northern Lights Cruise
November 4 – 13, 2013
The northern lights cruise will take you 69-degrees north near the Norway/Russia border to Kirkenes and will end in the Hanseatic town of Bergen where you will enjoy sightseeing and a night. Join Astronomy magazine along the Norwegian coast for ample dark sky and nightly aurora hunting aboard the ms MIDNATSOL. Astronomy magazine associate editor, Karri Ferron, will be the lecturer.
2014 Destinations
Alaska: Aurora Borealis with Dennis Mammana
February 28 – March 6, 2014 and March 6 – 12, 2014
Join sky photographer, Dennis Mammana, in the hot spot for auroras at Chena Hot Springs, Alaska. Located in a 40-square mile geo-thermal resource area, the springs were discovered in 1905 by prospectors. Today Chena offers gold in the form of a dark sky opportunity for the northern lights.
Iceland: Northern Lights, Glaciers, and Volcanoes
March 4 – 11, 2014
Join Astronomy magazine in the far north for a winter’s night tour in search of the aurora borealis and explore Iceland’s legendary glaciers. To further enhance your experience, the enrichment program will be led by Astronomy magazine Contributing Editor David Levy.
Chile’s Giant Telescopes
May 21 – 30, 2014
The southern Milky Way brims with rich star fields, glowing gas clouds, and splashy star clusters. The sky overhead at 23 degrees south latitude and offers spectacular viewing and photography opportunities. Chile’s Giant Telescopes expedition is inclusive of airfare, most meals and sightseeing which include archaeological sites pre-dating Egypt, hot springs and geysers in the Atacama Desert. Special visits to Chile’s giant telescopes, Paranal and Cerro Tololo, are planned. Dave Eicher, editor, Astronomy magazine, will lead the tour to Chile.
Churchill: Polar Bears, Northern Lights, Hudson Bay Train
October 25 – November 1, 2014
The Churchill Polar Bear adventure takes place in October during the prime time when the polar bears gather in large numbers to begin their annual hunt. From Winnipeg to Churchill ride on board Via Rail’s Hudson Bay train for two nights. Joined by scientist and astronomer, Dr. Seth Shostak of the SETI Institute, you will experience Polar Bear viewing from the comfort of the Tundra Buggy. Space fills very quickly for this small boutique tours. This is a true Arctic adventure not to be missed.