Total Solar Eclipse Cruise & Exploration of Japan

Study Leader - Edwin L. Turner

Edwin L. Turner is Professor of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University and is currently serving as the Chair of the Board of Governors of the Astrophysical Research Consortium (ARC). After receiving a S.B. in Physics at MIT ('71) and a Ph.D. in Astronomy from Caltech ('75), he spent brief periods ...more

Summary

July 22, 2009 provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view a total solar eclipse over six minutes in duration. We have secured a limited number of cabins on a vessel dedicated to maximizing this eclipse experience, and Princeton Professor of Astrophysical Sciences, Ed Turner, will be on hand to set the stage for this dramatic event.

After a brief tour of Beijing, China, we board the Costa Classica, making ports of call in Cheju, South Korea, and Kagoshima, Japan, before arriving at the optimum eclipse viewing location, 24˚ 12.2” north, 144˚ 07.0” east.

Disembark in Kobe, Japan, and travel to Kyoto, where we visit many of the most famous temples and gardens. Also, a special private visit has been arranged to the Nobeyama National Astronomical Observatory, set in a beautiful mountainous resort area seldom visited by westerners. The program culminates with a few days touring in Tokyo.

Space on board this vessel is under high demand and is already filling quickly. So if you would like to participate in this unique phenomenon, prompt action is essential.

Itinerary Summary

• Day 1: DEPART USA
• Day 2: BEIJING
• Day 3: BEIJING - TIANJIN
• Day 4: AT SEA
• Day 5: CHEJU, SOUTH KOREA
• Day 6: KAGOSHIMA, JAPAN
• Day 7: AT SEA
• Day 8: ECLIPSE DAY!
• Day 9: AT SEA
• Day 10: KOBE - NARA - KYOTO
• Day 11: KYOTO
• Day 12: KYOTO - KIYOSATO KOGEN
• Day 13: KIYOSATO KOGEN - TOKYO
• Day 14: TOKYO
• Day 15: RETURN USA