This week we’ve been planning an exciting journey to Kenya as part of our Astronomy Meets Adventure programme, where we’ll be watching the total solar eclipse in unique surroundings.
Astronomy Meets Adventure is part of our Astronaut Leadership Experience, which aims to enhance team-building and leadership skills through the outdoor leadership programme often used by NASA astronauts when a new crew is formed.
As you can imagine, watching a total solar eclipse is completely mesmerising and a one of a kind experience, so to be able to watch it at the shores of Lake Turkana – the sparkling ‘Jade Sea’ – with an astronaut and professional astronomer is a wholly unique experience altogether.
Our 15 day adventure will begin with an optional extension to climb Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak, where our travellers can experience the extraordinary atmosphere of being on the Earth’s equator; ascending from the dry plains of Africa to throwing snowballs in the clouds that circle the peak.
Then we will be exploring the best that Kenya has to offer, from wildlife safaris to spot the Big Five (elephants, rhino, lions, cheetahs and leopards) to flamingo watching at Lake Nakuru and marvelling at breathtaking volcanic scenery in the Rift Valley.
With our team in place, our travellers can rest assured that they will be in excellent hands:
Ken Ham: Astronaut & Space Shuttle Commander
Ken was the Commander of Space Shuttle Atlantis Mission STS-132 on the International Space Station in May 2010. Additionally Ken’s space experience includes being the Pilot of Space Shuttle Mission STS-124. Ken’s background is as a naval aviator and test pilot.
Dr Rhodri Evans: Physicist & Astronomer
Rhodri is Honorary Research Fellow at Cardiff University, his main area of research is galactic astronomy. He carries out research in star-formation and cosmology. He is also a regular contributor to TV and radio.
Michelle Ham: Senior Astronaut Trainer
Michelle’s experience includes having been a Lead NASA Astronaut Trainer and Instructor, an International Space Station Flight Controller, a Space Operations Planner and a Lead Planner for the NASA’s Extreme Environment Operation. She has carried out training in USA, Europe, India, Russia and Japan.
The Total Solar Eclipse
A total solar eclipse is a rare astronomical event that takes place when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the Sun from our view. This can only happen at new moon, where from the Earth, the Sun and Moon seem to be in complete alignment.
This year, we will be witnessing a hybrid solar eclipse, one of the rarer types, which shifts between a total and annular eclipse. A striking natural phenomenon, during a total solar eclipse the Sun will be partially and totally covered and the sky will become dark over the course of about 2 hours.
If you are interested in joining us on our Kenyan Eclipse adventure, you can find more information, brochures and sign-up forms here: www.isset.org/astronaut_leadership_experience.
Scheduled for 21st/25th October – 5th November, prices range from £2600 – £3225 per person.
Stay tuned for more news on what we’ll be getting up to in the run-up to November.
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