As Brian Cox returns to BBC2 (16 January) with another 3-night series of Stargazing LIVE and predicted prime conditions make viewing the northern lights one of this year’s must-do holiday experiences, it seems astronomy is no longer the preserve of those in possession of either a PhD or a telescope.

To encourage holidaymakers to see something spectacular on their travels, Explorers Astronomy Tours has released its 2012/15 brochure which acts as an exciting preview of what other phenomena the skies have on the horizon over the next few years.

The brochure includes holidays taking in two total eclipses, an annular eclipse, the Transit of Venus and the northern lights plus a chance to come face-to-face with the greatest astronomical telescopes on earth in Chile and South Africa. All tours are accompanied by Explorers’ resident Galactic Rangers to provide their expert insight into the celestial activity.

In addition to increasing the number of departures for its sell-out tour to see the much sought-after aurora borealis, Explorers has introduced a 5-day family-only Northern Lights holiday this February.

David Phillips, Operations & Planning Manager at Explorers, said: “With northern light forecasts continuing to suggest that the next couple of years will provide prime viewing conditions and two of our tours already sold out, it’s wonderful to see how this natural phenomenon has captured the nations’ imagination.

“However, the phrase ‘the sky’s the limit’ perfectly sums up the potential for incorporating astronomy into year-round adventure holidays all across the world. Whilst this November’s Total Solar Eclipse in Australia is sure to prove another ‘must-see’ experience, we’ve also introduced new 2012 stargazing trips closer to home that take advantage of the wonderful desert skies of destinations such as Jordan, Turkey and Morocco.”

NORTHERN LIGHTS

- NEW Glaciers, Geysers & Northern Lights – Astronomy Kids (5 days from £1,099 adult / £1,039 child) For the first time, families can now explore the rugged beauty of Iceland and watch the Icelandic skies come alive at night with an astronomy expert on-hand to guide them through the light display. For children aged eight and above, the tour will take families away from pollution zones to get a good view of the phenomenon. Departure 14 February 2012 & 12 February 2013

- Icelandic Northern Lights (8 days from £1,429pp) Travellers are encouraged to book fast to take advantage of the sun’s high level of activity and limited lunar interference and get the best viewing opportunities of the northern lights. Guests will also be able to explore the beauty of northern Iceland, including ice-encrusted waterfalls and snow-covered volcanoes. Departure 17 & 21 March 2012 / 5 & 9 February plus 5 & 9 March 2013


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Tags: Astronomy Tours, BBC2, Brian Cox, David Phillips, Eclipse Delights, northern lights