Welcome to Astro-Expeditions
The night sky has always been a source of wonder and curiosity even when glimpsed occasionally from a city backyard.
The sight of a "shooting star" or perhaps the planet Venus when it makes a dazzling appearance as an evening star will attract attention and at least passing interest from most people. It is, of course, possible to live for months or years without being aware of the stars above - then on a clear night, perhaps when you are away on holiday, you suddenly get a view of a myriad glowing points of light.
If such a sight has ever stirred your interest, we think we may have something to offer you. Along with the ordinary "extraordinary" sights in the sky, there are also some rare, special events. We can for instance, guide you to a place where the sky is likely to be clear at a time when there may be forty or fifty meteors or "shooting stars" every hour rather than just one or two. We know when and where an eclipse of the Sun is going to happen and we can call on over thirty years' experience in arranging to be in the right place at the right time.
We also know that if you are interested enough to join a group travelling to see such events, you are going to be interested in the sights and sounds and the flora and fauna in the world around you. We don’t expect you to come with any specialist knowledge or expertise, although you may find some of your fellow passengers are very well informed.
One delightful aspect of these trips is that they have a clearly designated objective, and travel with a purpose always feels more meaningful. The journey objectives also mean we have to travel off the beaten track to places not frequented by regular tourists, and that can result in some very interesting experiences. Somehow these trips never turn out to be boring...
DECEMBER 2010/JANUARY 2011 – Quadrantid Meteor Shower and the Northern Lights
Location: TROMSO, NORWAY
A unique combination - celebrate the New Year with the Aurora Borealis providing the fireworks, and the seldom observed Quadrantid meteor shower reaching a peak a couple of days later. With a moonless sky this year it could prove an unforgettable experience.
Prices from £625 pp (twin share) inc flights
May 2012 – Annular Solar Eclipse
Location: Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
A special tour of the great astronomical observatories of the Western USA, including Mount Palomar, Mount Wilson and Kitt Peak. Highlight of the trip will be observation of an Annular Solar Eclipse at sunset over the Grand Canyon.
June 2012 – Transit of Venus
Location: Hawaii, USA
This rare astronomical event will not be seen again for 121 years as the planet Venus will cross the face of the sun as seen from earth. The trip includes visits to the volcanoes and observatories on Hawaii and can also be combined with the Annuar Solar Eclipse trip.
November 2012 - Total Solar Eclipse
Location: Queensland, Australia
A sunrise eclipse from the spectacular beaches of this fascinating part of Australia. The Great Barrier Reef, the Danetree Rainforest and the Outback are some of the excursions to include in this trip. Full range of stopovers and Australian tours also available.
JULY 2010 – Total Solar Eclipse
Location: TAHITI
Another successful expedition.
2012 – 2020
FUTURE TOURS
Astro-Expeditions is planning a range of specialist trips over the next few years. These will include the the Annular Solar Eclipse from Grand Canyon National Park, Utah (May 2012); the Transit of Venus from Hawaii (June 2012); the Total Solar Eclipse from Cairns, Australia (Nov 2012); and the Hybrid/Total Solar Eclipse from Murchison Falls, Uganda (Nov 2013).
Proposed Future Projects