April 12-25, 2023 (14 days)
The Trip
Join Joel Weisberg, Carleton’s Herman and Gertrude Mosier Stark Professor of Physics and Astronomy and the Natural Sciences, Emeritus, to witness the April 20, 2023 Total Solar Eclipse from the best possible vantage point, directly on the centerline, as the brilliance of the Coral Coast is plunged into darkness.
Cruise for ten nights down the coast of western Australia, home to some of the darkest skies in the world, allowing us to plan for incredible stargazing of the Southern Skies each evening from the ease and comfort of the ship’s top deck. Experience the variety of dazzling landscapes of western Australia’s colorful Coral Coast, home to white sand beaches, oceans with azure blue hues, rugged red outback desert, and the world’s longest fringing reef. Encounter an abundance of wildlife—rare birds, land animals, and marine life—including a chance to swim with mighty whale sharks and manta rays. This region also boasts a rich Indigenous cultural heritage. During a day on the Burrap Peninsula, an area under consideration as a World Heritage listing, travelers can view a wealth of ancient rock petroglyph carvings in the company of Indigenous guides.
Professor Weisberg is part of a team of onboard experts who will offer a series of illustrated lectures and informal discussions along the way. In addition, a ten-member expedition team will provide valuable insights and lead Zodiac and snorkeling excursions to allow guests to get close to the action and step ashore in remote locations.
This program is limited to only 94 travelers and is co-sponsored by other organizations, so I urge you to reserve your preferred cabin today. Call Alumni Adventures at (800) 811-7244 or email carleton@studytours.org.
Highlights:
- Witness the April 20, 2023 Total Solar Eclipse from the best possible vantage point as the brilliance of the Coral Coast is plunged into darkness and be amazed as the changing light and sharpening shadows highlight Western Australia’s beauty.
- Cruise for 10 nights down the coast of Western Australia, home to some of the darkest skies in the world, allowing us to plan for incredible stargazing of the Southern Skies each evening from the ease and comfort of the ship’s top deck.
- Snorkel pristine and rarely visited Rowley Shoals, the remarkable reefs of Muiron Islands, and the teeming coral gardens of Coral Bay.
- Encounter an abundance of wildlife—rare birds, land animals and marine life—including mighty whale sharks and manta rays, two of the world’s largest harmless fish.
- Engage with Indigenous Australians and learn about the world’s oldest living culture during visits to sacred Aboriginal sites in Shark Bay and the Burrap
- Peninsula, home to incredible petroglyphs soon to be designated a World Heritage Site.
Study Leader
Joel Weisberg is the Herman and Gertrude Mosier Stark Professor of Physics and Astronomy and the Natural Sciences, Emeritus, at Carleton College. He taught astronomy and physics courses, and also taught several multidisciplinary courses in the areas of environmental and technology studies and in science policy. Joel loves to share sunsets, the night sky, solar eclipses, and modern astronomy with others. He has done so on numerous other alumni journeys, including tours in the southwestern U.S., Oregon, Hawaii, Chile, Turkey, and Mexico. Joel’s research is in the area of radio astronomy, particularly in the study of pulsars, which are rapidly spinning neutron stars the size of Northfield containing more mass than the Sun. Since Australia has some of the finest radio astronomers and radio telescopes in the world, he has brought numerous Carleton students to do month-long pulsar research missions with his collaborators there. Joel has co-authored 68 scientific articles with colleagues across the world and with Carleton students, and continues to work with some of them.
Itinerary
WEDNESDAY–THURSDAY, APRIL 12–13: Home / Sydney, Australia
FRIDAY, APRIL 14: Arrive Sydney
SATURDAY, APRIL 15: Broome
SUNDAY, APRIL 16: Rowley Shoals
MONDAY, APRIL 17: Burrup Peninsula
TUESDAY, APRIL 18: Montebello Islands
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19: Muiron Islands
THURSDAY, APRIL 20: Ningaloo Reef Marine Park / Eclipse Day
FRIDAY, APRIL 21: Ningaloo Reef Marine Park / Coral Bay
SATURDAY, APRIL 22: Monkey Mia / Shark Bay
SUNDAY, APRIL 23: Geraldton / Kalbarri National Park
MONDAY, APRIL 24: Abrolhos Islands
TUESDAY, APRIL 25: Perth / Home
Optional Extensions: A pre-tour extension in Sydney and a post-tour extension in Perth and the Margaret River region will be available. Further details and pricing will be sent to confirmed participants.
Pricing Per Person (10 nights)
Starting at $14,990 double occupancy
Starting at $22,490 single occupancy. Limited availability
For detailed pricing, ship and cabin information, download the complete brochure.
Additional Information
Download the complete brochure. For more information or to reserve your space on this trip, please call 800-811-7244 or email Carleton College Alumni Adventures. To reserve your space using the online form, click here.
Program details are subject to change.