A New Year Expedition to Northern Norway
A display of the Northern Lights (the Aurora Borealis) combined with a shower of shooting stars
(meteors) would be among the most spectacular sights in the night sky. The prospect of such a sight is a very real possibility at the end of December 2010. We have chosen Northern Norway as the location for our trip because it is one of the best places in Europe for observation of the Aurora and it is also very well placed for observation of the Quadrantid meteor shower.
The Aurora Borealis is caused by solar wind particles reacting with the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Our sun has periods of greater or lesser activity (solar maximum and solar minimum); the aurora is much stronger during a maximum period. Following a longer than usual minimum period, activity on the sun is again climbing towards maximum activity. Because of the way in which the magnetic field of the Earth reacts with the solar wind particles, the aurora displays are mostly seen in a “doughnut” shaped area known as the “auroral oval” around the North or South Poles.
Click
for more about the Aurora
The Quadrantid meteors are caused by a trail of debris, probably from an extinct comet, which lies in the path of the Earth’s orbit around the sun. As our planet runs into the particles they burn up in the atmosphere, leaving a bright trail in the night sky. The Quadrantids are one of the strongest meteor showers of the year.
From Tromso, the point in the sky (the radiant) from which the meteors appear to radiate will be above the horizon throughout the night at this time of year and the peak of the meteor shower will occur in a moonless sky in the early hours of 4th January. This offers ideal conditions for observation of both the Aurora and the meteors. Although the peak has lasted for only a few hours in previous years, the 2009 observations showed a rate of over 100 an hour for more than 12 hours.
Click for more about the meteors.
As with every astronomical project, we will be dependent on the weather and January would not be the first choice for clear skies, however we hope to improve our prospects by moving to an inland location for the second part of our trip. Depending of the specific wind direction at the time, we expect to be in the lee of a mountain range with a favoured micro-climate and an improved chance of a clear sky.
28th December 2010
Fly from London to Tromso, transfer by private coach for arrival to the Radisson Blu Hotel in the city centre for seven nights’ accommodation
29th December 2010
Enjoy a 3 hours sightseeing tour of Tromsø with a coach and a local city guide. Visit the Polaria, a museum dedicated to Arctic phenomena.
During your stay in Tromso a coach will be available for a trip outside the city to observe the Aurora in a dark sky location. The day of this trip will depend on having the possibility of a clear sky. We also include a trip to
observe the meteor shower overnight on the 3rd January, with the prospect of observing the aurora on that night also. If we are fortunate and our visit coincides with several clear nights, additional optional out of town trips will be arranged (at extra cost payable locally).
30th December 2010
At leisure in Tromso. A programme of unique optional excursions wil be available during your stay.
31st December 2010
At leisure. This evening we take the mountain cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen for a panoramic view of Tromsø and the surrounding mountains. Our programme includes a visit to a restaurant on the mountain top where we enjoy a New Years Eve dinner.
1st and 2nd January 2011
At leisure in Tromso or join the optional excursion programme.
3rd January 2011
The peak of the Quadrantid Meteor Shower is predicted for tonight. After consulting the best available weather forecasts and calling up local people in out of town locations, we will select a viewing location with the best prospects for a clear sky. Our coach will be available throughout the night to change locations if required.
4th January 2011
At leisure until we join our return flight to London late this afternoon.
Price £995 per person in twin room
Programme includes return flights from London, seven nights at the Radisson Blu Hotel (including breakfast) in Tromso, a city tour of Tromso, the cable car fee and New Year dinner, two "out of town" excursions for observations, an experienced tour escort and an expert guest lecturer.
Short Programme £625 per person in twin room.
You can join this programme for a shorter period, flying from London on the 1st January and staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel for three nights.
This programme includes return flights from London, three nights at the Radisson Blu Hotel (including breakfast) in Tromso, two "out of town" excursions for observations, an experienced tour escort and an expert guest lecturer.
Alternative Departure Airports and Dates
The standard programme is based on direct flights from London Gatwick. We can also arrange indirect flights (via Oslo) on other dates and also from from Edinburgh or Dublin. Flight supplements will apply to these arrangements. Programme prices are based on flight costs known in June 2010 and may increase for reservations made closer to the departure date.
Tromso
Surrounded by the drama of the Lyngen Alps, blue fjords and hundreds of islands, the city ofTromso has a lively colourful downtown rich in Arctic history. Tromsø is the largest city in northern Norway and is known as the Gateway to the Arctic. The modern cathedral, built in 1965, is the city’s most recognisable feature.
Optional Excursions
Tromso Wilderness Camp
18:15 hrs: Pick up in front of the hotel and transfer to the Tromsø Wilderness Camp.
At the camp you will experience a husky dog trip during which you drive a team yourself
or can ride on a sledge driven by an expert guide. The trips last for 30 minutes - 1
hour. A thorough introduction will be given beforehand and you will be provided with warm clothes and all necessary equipment. After the trip, you will be served a warm meal in a lavvu, chocolate cake & coffee.
This trip away from the centre of the town offers another possible chance to see the Northern Lights while staying at the camp. Transfer back to your hotel at approx. 22:00 hrs.
Sami Cultural Experience & Snowmobile Adventure
08:45 hrs: Pick up at your hotel and transfer to the Camp Tamok, about 1 hour & 15 minutes drive from Tromsø. Beautiful scenery along the way to Camp Tamok. At the camp you can try reindeer sledding, an integral part of the Sami Culture. Inside a Sami family Lavvu, you will hear folk tales and learn about Sami culture and history, with an introduction to traditional Sami handicraft. Lunch will be served in a lavvu at Camp Tamok. After the Sami Culture Experience you will have the chance to try out the snowmobile. Dinner is also included before returning to your hotel by about 19:30 hrs.
Click here to view the Joanna Lumley film "In the Land of the Northern Lights".
(Please note this is a revision of the previously advertised itinerary. Observation of the aurora and the meteor shower are dependent on meteorological conditions.)