Astronomy lectures - and in the case of the Queen Mary 2 planetarium shows- are a popular element in the activities ( ‘Insight’) programme offered to passengers on Cunard’s liners. The Society has agreed to advertise the opportunity of participating in the ‘Insight’ programme to its Fellows , though selection remains the sole responsibility of Cunard. 45 minute ( + 15 minutes for questions) lectures, which could be stand-alone sessions or a series, would need to be pitched at a level accessible to the general public, though some members of the audience may well have a more advanced understanding. Each vessel is equipped with a theatre seating between 600-800 people. In addition it is expected that speakers will be available for more informal sessions with interested passengers.
Cunard hopes to provide astronomy activities on its 2008 voyages viz
QM2 14 - 26th June - Mediterranean
15-22nd July Cherbourg - New York
22nd - 30th July New York - Hamburg
30th July - 7th August Hamburg - New York
13 - 19th August Southampton - New York
15-21st November - Southampton to New York
21st-29th November- Caribbean
29th November - 9th December Caribbean
9-19th December - Caribbean
19th Dec - 3rd January Caribbean
QE2 27 August - 10th September - Mediterranean
20th - 31st July - Mediterranean
2nd June - Norway
Queen Victoria 25th August - 5th September - Mediterranean
29th November - 11th December – Mediterranean
- Titles and brief description of talks (including deck talks on the QM2 and Queen Victoria where there is suitable seating for viewing the sky)
- C-V
- Availability (within the cruise dates listed above )
- Any other relevant information
Cunard will verify that all applicants are Fellows of the RAS and supply the Society with a post-cruise report based on guest satisfaction surveys, attendance logs and the evaluation of the Cruise Director. The RAS will liaise with candidates selected for participation to ensure they are aware of current Society issues in order to be able to encourage the audience to take an interest in, and possibly become associated with, the RAS on a longer-term basis.
Welcome Aboard!
