What's it all about? I got offered the chance by go stargazing to be the resident astronomer on board the Fred Olsen Christmas cruise in search of the northern lights. I get a free cruise, provided I give a few lectures and stand in the cold and dark showing the passengers the night skies. I will be sailing on the Balmoral , which can host 1325 guests, and 551 crew. We will sail from Southampton across the North Sea to Norway, and then continue up to the very North of Norway beyond the arctic circle. I leave on the 22nd December!
Preparations It has to be faced, packing is required. There is good news and bad news. Good news There are no flights involved, so I can take as much as I can carry. Clothes, books, gadgets, books, smart clothes, books and some books. Bad news There are no flights involved, so I can take as much as I can carry. Clothes, books, gadgets, books, smart clothes, books and some books. There are at least two train changes and a walk to the Southampton cruise port. I may have over booked. It will be cold up there, beyond the arctic circle, so I've had to get a new wardrobe of warm stuff, which is a bit of a shock! Also some smart clothes, as people will be paying to dine with me! Yes, I know! What's that all about? There are also 3 formal dress up evening meals... astronomy I can handle, fashion not so much! The themes are: Wednesday 25th December • Red & Gold Tuesday 31st December • Black & Sparkles Friday 3rd January • Captain's Farewell Formal I think I'm in over m...
Gave my first talk to an almost full house in the Neptune theatre. All went well I think. Met some people from Derby and some who use to work at the university. Also random people you just bump into like a sprightly older lady called Shirley who is on her 38th cruise. Also met someone who showed me a picture of her and me at Solarfest from back in the day!
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