Eclipse trip update (24 July 2009)

[Dennis Mammana]

Well folks, our great cosmic adventure to China is almost over.  We covered quite a bit of this amazing country in the past two weeks, and saw a remarkable total solar eclipse under absolutely clear skies!  Our tours taught us much about the art, history and geography of China, the food was spectacular, and we even had a few "interesting" lessons on the language.  Needless to say I won't be speaking muchChinese in the near future!

 

Our astronomical lectures were inspiring and enlightening;  speakers included Frank Drake (UC Santa Cruz), Seth Shostak (SETI Institute), Jim Manning (Astronomical Society of the Pacific), Dave Eicher and Rich Talcott (Astronomy Magazine) and, of course, moi.

 

We head home on Sunday and, while it'll be sad to say goodbye to all our new friends here in China, it's always nice to return home to the good 'ol U.S. of A (where we speak Spanish).  In the meantime I've attached an e-postcard showing some of our journey.

 

I hope you'll be able to join me on future trips; next up is Norway (for the Northern Lights in November), Kenya (for an annular solar eclipse in January) and the South Pacific next summer (for another total solar eclipse).  For more information on these, visit:  http://www.dennismammana.com/tours/upcoming.htm

 

Dennis