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Siding Spring
Observatory |
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Southern sky
astrophotography and stargazing
with Sky & Telescope editor Dennis diCicco
4 days / 3 nights
November 26-29, 2002
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[
Australia Eclipse 2002
ADD-On Table of Contents ]
[Study Leader]
[ Prices
and Terms ]
[
Reservation
Form ]
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It's Easy to
Add 4 Days and 3Nights
to explore Siding Spring Observatory
before the
Australian Eclipse 2002! |
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Take advantage of
your eclipse trip “Down Under” and join us beforehand for a visit to one
of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier astronomical observatories, and
along the way spend two nights enjoying the spectacular southern skies
away from bright city lights.
When the
Anglo-Australian Telescope at Siding Spring became operational in 1975
it was one of the world’s largest optical telescopes and the first of
several 4-meter-class instruments to begin probing the southern skies.
We’ll enjoy a closeup tour of this telescope and others at the extensive
observatory complex atop Siding Spring Mountain. The site itself is well
worth the visit, since it is located on the edge of the Warrumbungle
National Park, which is home to many of Australia’s unique species of
flora and fauna. Kangaroos and koala are frequent sights along the road
up to the observatory. Weather permitting, we’ll have time to observe
and photograph the night sky, especially at a dark-sky site near the
observatory
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Itinerary: |
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Day 1 - Tue,
Nov. 26
No Meals
Sydney-Dubbo
Morning 1-hour flight from Sydney to Dubbo. Upon arrival
into this commercial, industrial and administrative hub of the Central
West of New South Wales, we will transfer to our hotel for an afternoon
of rest.
This evening we will observe and photograph the southern skies.
Overnight: Country Comfort Inn
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Day 2 – Wed, Nov. 27
Breakfast/Lunch
Siding Spring Observatory |
This
morning we will pass through townships, sheep and cattle ranches, and
eucalyptus plantations on our way to Coonabarabran, home of the famous
Siding Spring Observatory (SSO) -- Australia's
premier location for optical astronomy.
Afternoon arrival
Siding Spring Observatory located 10 miles west of town at the edge of
magnificent Warrumbungle National Park. Some of the world's best-known
color images of galaxies and nebulae were created by astronomer David
Malin using the observatory's 3.9-meter Anglo-Australian Telescope and
adjacent 1.2-meter U.K. Schmidt Telescope. We'll tour both instruments
as well as several of the smaller telescopes operated by the Australian
National University, including the 2.2-meter Advanced Technology
Telescope.
Weather permitting,
we'll spend the evening viewing the magnificent southern skies with
members of the Astronomical Society of Coonabarabran at a dark-sky
location within the shadow of SSO.
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Overnight: Acacia Motor Lodge |
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Day 3 - Thu, Nov. 28
Breakfast/Lunch
Australian Countryside - Sydney
After
breakfast, we will depart Coonabarabran on a full-day journey to Sydney.
Along the way we will travel through low rolling hills dotted with
picturesque farms and ranches.
After
lunch, continue on to the Hunter Valley with many wineries, large and
small, in a picture postcard setting. Later, we will pass through the bushland of the Central Coast, crossing the Hawkesbury River at
Brooklyn, before arriving at the Westin Sydney, a 10-minute walk to
famous Sydney Harbor. The balance of your evening to free to visit the
Sydney Opera House, and the popular ‘Rocks’ area featuring many
restaurants and shops right on Sydney Harbor.
Overnight: Westin Hotel
Day 4 – Fri, Nov. 29
Breakfast
After breakfast,
transfer to join the eclipse tour for a harbor cruise.
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Study
Leader – Dennis diCicco
Saturn has nearly completed one orbit of the Sun since Dennis di Cicco
joined the editorial staff of Sky & Telescope magazine in 1974.
An experienced world traveler who has witnessed well over a dozen total
solar eclipses from land, sea, and air, this December he will be
returning to Australia for the sixth time since his first eclipse trip
Down Under in 1976. He is an award-winning photographer with a lengthy
publication list that includes National Geographic, Time, Life,
and Newsweek.
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If you would like more information on what Siding
Spring Observatory does, just press this link.
www.sidingspringexploratory.com.au.
The site will open in a new window. To exit, just close the window. |
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Tour cost:
$695 per person, double occupancy. Add $170 for single supplement.
(Pricing based on minimum of 10 travelers. A smaller group will require
an increase in the tour cost.)
Tour includes:
All ground transportation, lodging, meals, sightseeing and admissions as
stated in itinerary.
Not included:
Air
travel (call TravelQuest for details), unspecified meals, tips to
guides and drivers, and personal expenses.
Payments & Terms:
$100 per person deposit, balance due August 28, 2002. Full refund, less
$50 per person handling fee, through August 28. No refunds
after that date.
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TRAVELQUEST INTERNATIONAL
Tel. +1 928-445-7754 / USA & Canada: 800-830-1998
Fax +1 928-445-8771
For additional information,
please contact TravelQuest International
at:
800-830-1998
or press here to request a brochure be sent
to your postal box.
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