Australia Total Solar Eclipse 2012
Australia Total Solar Eclipse: Sydney and Cairns, November 8-15
Trip Home
Itinerary
Enrichment Lecturer
Details & Pricing
Hold my Spot
With MIT Professor Richard Binzel
8 days/7 nights
Overnights
• 2 nights aloft
• 2 nights The Grace Hotel, Sydney
• 3 nights Mercure Hotel Harbourside, Cairns
Physical Activity Rating: Level 2
Co-share: Exclusive to the MIT community
Maximum Group Size: 30 travelers
Reservation Form (PDF)
Post-Tour Extension Information (PDF)
Witness one of the world’s most unique phenomena in tropical North Queensland, Australia: a Total Solar Eclipse!
On November 14, 2012 (Australian Time), the solar eclipse shadow will sweep across the Gulf of Carpenteria and Cape York before the central line crosses directly over Port Douglas’ Oak Beach, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Coral Sea at 6:39 am. In the company of MIT Professor Richard Binzel and fellow alumni, we’ll experience this rare and amazing event. The city of Cairns is in the umbra of the eclipse and the general area to the north is one of the best observation points on the mainland. Totality is at 6:39 am local time, (20:39 UT), the sun will be 14° from the horizon and the duration is approximately 2 minutes and 4 seconds.
Total Solar Eclipse programming typically sells out quickly and space is limited on this program. Make your reservation today! The trip itinerary, pricing, and a reservation form (PDF) are on this website.
The program begins with two nights in Sydney with free time to explore and a harbor cruise. Then we fly to Cairns. From here enjoy a full day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, where there will be opportunities to swim and snorkel. We conclude our program with the thrill of witnessing the total solar eclipse.
Please note: Although the eclipse comes at the early part of the rainy monsoon season, cloud cover is not so heavy in November as in the following months. Please note that ideal weather conditions and cloud conditions for viewing the eclipse can change and are not guaranteed.
If you have any questions or to make a reservation, please call the MIT Alumni Travel Program at 800-992-6749, or email us at compass@mit.edu.
