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Norway

Astronomy Above the Arctic Circle: A Journey Along Coastal Norway

Program No. 23067RJ
Starting in culturally rich Bergen, voyage north to colorful fishing towns and unique ecological wonders above the Arctic Circle in search of the northern lights.

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At a Glance

Take a front-row seat for nature’s own theater, voyaging above the Arctic Circle to learn about the Arctic night sky and the luminous green curtains of the northern lights, the Aurora Borealis. With an astronomy expert, sail along Norway’s coast during polar nights when the sun doesn’t make it over the horizon and snow-clad mountains provide a matchless backdrop. Sail through pristine islands, past majestic mountains and go ashore in enchanting towns such as Tromso, Alesund and Trondheim on this special adventure discovering science in the skies at the northern tip of Norway.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to 2 miles per day over various types of terrain; walking up stairs unassisted, getting in and out of motor coaches.

What You'll Learn

  • Sail along the breathtaking and rugged coast of Norway as you hunt for the incomparably beautiful display put on by the Aurora Borealis.
  • Look out across the Arctic Ocean from the North Cape, the northernmost point on the European continent.
  • Explore the beauty and history of Bergen with a local expert surrounded by the Seven Mountains.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Ron Waldron
Ron Waldron is an educator with over three decades of classroom teaching experience in the Saskatoon Public School Division. He introduced several portable planetariums to the division, and as planetarium director, he trained over 200 teachers in their use. An avid amateur astronomer, Ron continues to be an active member of the Saskatoon Centre, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada where he has served in numerous executive capacities. Ron is the proprietor of Living Skies Stargazing, dedicated to providing telescopic views of the universe.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Ron Waldron
Ron Waldron View biography
Ron Waldron is an educator with over three decades of classroom teaching experience in the Saskatoon Public School Division. He introduced several portable planetariums to the division, and as planetarium director, he trained over 200 teachers in their use. An avid amateur astronomer, Ron continues to be an active member of the Saskatoon Centre, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada where he has served in numerous executive capacities. Ron is the proprietor of Living Skies Stargazing, dedicated to providing telescopic views of the universe.
Profile Image of Don Hladiuk
Don Hladiuk View biography
Don Hladiuk has twice been president of the Calgary chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC). He can be heard on the CBC's "Calgary EyeOpener,” where he shares his passion for space exploration. Don was a lecturer for Road Scholar’s “Astronomy Above the Arctic Circle” program, and has introduced many groups to the beauty of the Aurora Borealis. He has also been a leader on several solar eclipse expeditions, observing 16 total solar eclipses, three annular eclipses, and two rare Venus transits.
Profile Image of Bob King
Bob King fell in love with the night sky and astronomy when he was a kid and loves to share his passion with people of all ages. Bob writes the Explore the Night column and Celestial Calendar for Sky & Telescope's website and magazine, teaches community education astronomy, and pens the Astro Bob blog. His latest book, Magnificent Aurora, is a comprehensive guide to the northern and southern lights. He lives in Duluth, Minnesota with his wife and has two adult daughters.
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