See the Total Lunar Eclipse October 7, 2014!
DISCOVER HAWAII
October 5-13, 2014

Dear Friends:
Join us to see the Total Lunar Eclipse in Hawaii, October 7th, and to explore the natural wonders of Hawaii—from lava flows to massive tree ferns. We will also show you some of the astronomical observatories which generate an enormous amount of information about our solar system, galaxies, black holes, and beyond!

In Hawaii, earth’s forces create new land right before our eyes, as lava streams forth from volcanoes rising 33,000 feet from the ocean floor. The Pacific is home to a profusion of life— from whales to sea turtles, colorful birds and endemic flowers, many of which we can see walking trails.

More than a thousand years ago, indigenous people followed the stars across the Pacific from Tahiti to settle Hawaii, and brought Polynesian culture with them. In recent centuries, European explorers followed the same stars across the Pacific and discovered Tahiti, Hawaii, and New Zealand!

Our journey will begin in Kailua-Kona—on the dry side of the Big Island of Hawaii—where old black ribbons of lava flow to the sea. In the evening, we will enjoy the Total
Lunar Eclipse.

We will cross the island between the two largest volcanoes on Hawaii, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. En route, we will visit the W.M. Keck Observatory head quarters near the famous Parker Ranch to learn about their discoveries.

We will drive to the summit of Mauna Kea, at 13,796 feet, and see sunset from the mountain top near some of the world’s largest observatories. We will return to Onizuka Visitor Center to look through telescopes at the wonders of the universe as seen from 19ºN latitude.

At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, we will see ancient lava formations which built the island from hot molten lava as it flows to the sea.

At the world class ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii we will explore the Hawaiian cultural and navigational understanding of the stars with real-time information obtained from the 13 telescopes on the Big Island.

Throughout our journey, we will enjoy leadership by outstanding naturalists, Rob & Susan McGovern, and guest astronomical experts.

We invite travelers with an appetite for adventure and discovery to explore the day and night wonder land of our 50th state and enjoy the Total Lunar Eclipse!

Sincerely,

Margaret M. Betchart
President,
Betchart Expeditions Inc.

$3,495 plus air.

Brochure (Requires an Adobe pdf reader to view)