CELESTIAL ENCOUNTERS
Astrophotography, Northern Lights & Eclipse Tours Book now on 0330 013 0072 or omegabreaks.com/celestial
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THE NIGHT SKY IS MESMERISING TO BEHOLD WITH STUNNING CONSTELLATIONS, NATURAL LIGHT SHOWS AND EVENTS THAT DEMONSTRATE JUST HOW BIG OUR UNIVERSE IS…
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Credit Adam Turner
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Book now on 0330 013 0072 or omegabreaks.com/celestial
Credit Adam Turner
…OMEGA MAKES EXPERIENCING WHAT THE NIGHT SKY HAS TO OFFER EASY ON THESE TRULY MEMORABLE ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY BREAKS. Book now on 0330 013 0072 or omegabreaks.com/celestial
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DO NOT LOOK AT STARS AS BRIGHT SPOTS ONLY. TRY TO TAKE IN THE VASTNESS OF THE UNIVERSE. MARIA MITCHELL
Welcome to
THE UNIVERSE We are excited to share with you our brand-new range of astronomy-themed trips for 2019 and beyond. The natural workings of our universe and the majesty of the night sky can be awe-inspiring and profound, so if you have an interest in astronomy and the stars, then the breaks in this brochure are perfect for you. Whether you are viewing the beautiful Northern Lights from the sky (page 8), wanting to turn your hand to astrophotography with help from an expert (pages 10-13), or looking to venture further afield for a once in a lifetime experience to Antarctica for the total solar eclipse in 2021 (page 14), we have a huge range of unique celestial experiences for everyone, from the astronomy novice to the more experienced star gazer. All of our tours are accompanied by expert astronomers too, such as Pete Lawrence as seen in the BBC’s 6
Sky at Night TV programme, so you can be sure you are getting the best and most informed experience when you travel with us, making our trips extra special. So read on and discover more about our magnificent universe!
Nigel Nigel Adams Commercial Director & Founder of Omega Breaks
Contents YOUR GUIDE TO THE STARS
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EXPERIENCE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
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ASTRONOMY WITH PETE LAWRENCE
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- Guernsey & Sark
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- Northumberland
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- Hampshire
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- Scotland
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- East Sussex
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ANTARCTICA CRUISE & SOLAR ECLIPSE 2021
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YOUR GUIDE TO THE STARS PETE LAWRENCE Pete Lawrence is an astronomy expert, award-winning astrophotographer, science writer and television presenter. His images have appeared in books and magazines across the world as well as gracing many online astronomy sites. He is part of the BBC Sky at Night team and has been a regular presenter on the long running monthly Sky at Night television programme since 2004. He also writes a monthly Sky Guide for the Sky at Night magazine. Born in Brighton, Pete has lived in and around the Chichester area for most of his life until recently moving to the Midlands. His interest in astronomy started when he was a young boy at the time of the Apollo Moon landings when he was given his first small telescope. He went on to develop his skills in observational astronomy, obtaining a degree in Physics with Astrophysics from the University of Leicester in 1983. For Pete, the lure and challenge
Wonders of the night sky that you must see in your lifetime 1. The Milky Way Our home galaxy, the Milky Way, contains over 200 billion stars and is an amazing sight to behold. Many of our customers have had a great view of the Milky Way on our Northern Lights flight excursions (p8).
2. A Total Lunar Eclipse of being able to capture images of dynamic astronomical events proved irresistible and he now has a significant library of images to his name. Pete has regularly accompanied Omega’s specialist astronomy tours as an expert guide for 15 years to see events such as solar eclipses and the Northern Lights. He has travelled to the Arctic Circle and witnessed the awesome splendour of the Aurora Borealis on many occasions as well as experiencing six total solar eclipses. He was also awarded the Davies Medal by the Royal Photographic Society in 2014 for his significant contribution in the field of imaging science.
Keeping your money safe – complete financial protection The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within the meaning of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Therefore, you will benefit from all EU rights applying to packages. Just Go! Holidays Ltd trading as Omega Breaks will be fully responsible for the proper performance of the package as a whole. Additionally, as required by law, Just Go! Holidays Ltd trading as Omega Breaks has protection in place to refund your payments and, where transport is included in the package, to ensure your repatriation in the event that it becomes insolvent. Just Go! Holidays Limited trading as Omega Breaks is a member of the Bonded Coach Holiday Group (BCHG) of the
Confederation Of Passenger Transport UK Ltd (CPT). This is a government approved consumer protection scheme. This ensures that in relation to the coach, rail and self-drive package holidays described in this brochure that the clients’ monies are protected by a Bond which may be called upon in the unlikely event of the Member’s Insolvency. Clients are recommended to inspect the current membership certificate at our registered office or alternatively go to www.bch-uk.org or telephone 0207 240 3131 to confirm current membership. Your attention is also drawn to our Terms and Conditions based on the Bonded Coach Holiday Group Trading Charter that will apply to these package holidays. All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays we offer are financially protected by the ATOL scheme (ATOL No. 10889). When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes into the Earth’s shadow in space. This slowly drawn out spectacle results in the Moon changing colour from a light coppery yellow to a deep red-brown so dark the Moon almost disappears from view.
3. The Constellation of Orion Perhaps the most famous constellation, Orion contains many features of interest from giant stars ready to explode, to glowing gas where stars are being created.
4. The Northern Lights A bucket-list favourite, this phenomenal natural light show is something that everyone should experience at least once in their life (find out more on p8).
5. A Total Solar Eclipse It’s hard to beat the breathtaking majesty of totality – enjoy the excitement and anticipation beforehand followed by the spine-tingling awe that an eclipse provides (find out more on p14). Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate. Clients are recommended to inspect the current ATOL certificate at our registered office or alternatively go to www.caa.co.uk to confirm the current licence. Details of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 can be found at www.legislation.gov.uk/ ukdsi/2018/9780111168479/contents.
Book now on 0330 013 0072 or omegabreaks.com/celestial
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Experience the
NORTHERN LIGHTS
For over 20 years Omega Breaks has been taking passengers on their flight excursions in search of the Aurora Borealis, or as it’s more commonly known, the Northern Lights. This natural light show resulting from an interaction between the magnetic fields of the Earth and the Sun is a bucket list must for many and our flight excursions are perhaps the easiest and most affordable way to see this natural phenomenon. The Aurora’s appearance can vary from a weak glow to a breathtaking, sky-filling display, and even though the best views may be had from ground level, visibility can be hampered by surrounding light pollution, bad weather or an inconveniently cloudy night. However our flight excursions endeavour to eliminate these factors, aiming to improve chances of viewing this spectacle. In addition to searching for the Northern Lights, this excursion also includes fascinating, exclusive pre-flight presentations with our expert team of astronomers who will provide you with a wealth of information about the wonders of the night sky.
Did you know? The earliest account of the Northern Lights is on a Babylonian clay tablet that recorded observations made by the official astronomers of King Nebuchanezzar II on the night of 12/13 March 567 BCE. 8
SEE THE STARS AS NEVER BEFORE
Eveningflightfrom£
229pp
Almach
Cassiopeia Sadr
Algol
Schedar
Taurus
Caph Deneb
Albireo
Menkib Mirfak
Alderamin
Aldebaran
Perseus
Cepheus
Sulafat
Lyra
Errai
Altais
Vega
El Nath
Capella Polaris
Yildun
Eltanin Grumium
Menkalinan
Auriga
Ursa Minor
Rastaban
Draco
Kochab Pherkad Muscida
Rasalgethi Edasich Thuban
Hercules
Dubhe
Kornephoros
Alcor
Nusakan
Nekkar
Alkaid
Talitha
Megrez Phecda
Seginus
Izar
PRICE INCLUDES
Alfirk
Sheliak
Sarin
Nov 2019 - Mar 2020
Hyades Ruchabah
Merak
Ursa Major Tania Borealis Tania Australis
Boötes Alula Borealis Arcturus
Alula Australis
Throughout the flight, our astronomers will give expert commentary on the many wonders you will see, from the Milky Way to Orion’s Belt. Away from light pollution, this is perhaps the most vibrant you will ever see some of the more famous constellations.
Itinerary Our evening begins with two illustrated briefings given by our expert astronomers either at the airport or in a nearby hotel. The exclusive talks will last for around one hour, describing how the flight will operate, the main sights that we will see, why the aurora happens and of course, the much anticipated forecast of our chance of seeing a Northern Lights display that evening*! After the briefing we proceed to the airport departure lounge to board our flight. After take-off, the cabin is made as dark as possible, allowing time for our eyes to adapt to the darkness for optimal viewing of the night skyˆ. And then with expert commentary, our search for the Northern Lights begins and we take in the majesty of the night sky.
In order to give all passengers an equal chance of viewing the aurora from a window seat, everyone is required to rotate seats with the other passengers in their row† and this process is normally repeated several times to ensure everyone gets to see what’s being described outside. After our night sky observation, the cabin lights will be switched back on and light refreshments will be served as we travel back to the airport. *Please note: what is actually visible during the flight may differ from the forecast. ˆDuring the period of darkness the cabin toilets will be temporarily taken out of service for safety reasons and to prevent the internal light inside each toilet from disturbing passengers’ night vision. †Please be aware that this needs to be done in almost total darkness.
• Exclusive pre-flight presentations by our expert astronomers • Flight excursion in search of the Northern Lights with expert night-sky commentary (approximately 3-3 ½ hours, depending on the departure airport location) • Services of astronomers on board • Light refreshments on board • All airport taxes • Services of an Omega Breaks tour manager
Airport
Date
Price
Edinburgh
Sat 2 Nov 19
£249
Luton
Thu 21 Nov 19
£229
Gatwick
Fri 22 Nov 19
£229
Norwich
Sun 16 Feb 20
£279
Gatwick
Mon 17 Feb 20
£229
Bournemouth
Tue 18 Feb 20
£269
Bristol
Wed 19 Feb 20
£229
Exeter
Thu 20 Feb 20
£229
Cardiff
Fri 21 Feb 20
£229
East Midlands
Wed 26 Feb 20
£229
Leeds Bradford
Thu 27 Feb 20
£229
Stansted
Sun 15 Mar 20
£229
Birmingham
Mon 16 Mar 20
£229
Manchester
Fri 20 Mar 20
£229
Glasgow
Sat 21 Mar 20
£249
Edinburgh
Sun 22 Mar 20
£249
Newcastle
Mon 23 Mar 20
£229
Doncaster
Tue 24 Mar 20
£229
Book now on 0330 013 0072 or omegabreaks.com/celestial
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If you’re looking to gain an insight into the world of astronomy and astrophotography as well as enjoy a spot of night sky viewing alongside an expert astronomer, then take a look at our Astronomy with Pete Lawrence breaks.
ASTRONOMY with Pete Lawrence
These tours are exclusive to Omega Breaks and all include fascinating lectures about the night sky and astrophotography, as well as the opportunity to put your camera and astrophotography skills to the test with Pete there as your guide to offer his advice and expertise. We visit some of the best Dark Skies locations and most impressive observatories in the country too offering excellent night sky-viewing opportunities*. Our short breaks make visiting some of these dark sky locations easy so you can simply enjoy what promises to be an engaging, practical and informative time away. *Please note: itineraries are subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Credit Adam Turner
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
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DSLR Camera
Tripod or Tracking Mount
20-80mm Lens
Cable Release
Telescope
Binoculars
Comfortable Footwear
Outdoor Clothing
'Dark sky photograph by Sue Daly, Sark'
5 days from £
899pp
Departing Tue 1 Oct 2019 PRICE INCLUDES • Return flights to Guernsey • Airport taxes and luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person) • Airport transfers on Guernsey and hotel transfers on Sark • Return ferry from Guernsey to Sark • 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the Le Friquet Hotel, Guernsey • 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the Stocks Hotel, Sark • Half day Guernsey Island Tour • Entrance to Sark Observatory*
GUERNSEY & SARK In January 2011, Sark gained the prestigious distinction of being awarded International Dark-Sky Association recognition for its exceptional quality of unpolluted darkness, and became the first functioning island community to gain this title. As such, it is a wonderful location to observe the night sky and to try your hand at astrophotography. On this break we’ll spend time at Sark Observatory which features a sliding roof that can be opened to reveal a clear view of the sky above the telescope room. Here we can enjoy night sky viewing and practical astrophotography activities with guidance from Pete Lawrence, away from the fog of light pollution.
We also have time to explore the beautiful islands that are our base for this trip, including an island tour of Guernsey which covers much of the beautiful countryside and coastline here, with stops made along the way. We visit the famous Little Chapel, beautifully decorated with seashells, pebbles and colourful pieces of broken china, as well as the island’s most westerly point at Pleinmont which offers fantastic views out to sea over Les Hanois rocks. As Guernsey is one of the sunniest places in the British Isles, you will hopefully enjoy spectacular days too. We also have free time in Sark. Just two square miles in size, this car-free island features spectacular scenery, beautiful bays, coastal paths and impressive cliff top views.
• Lectures, night sky viewing and astrophotography tuition with Pete Lawrence Airport
Price
Birmingham
£899
Gatwick
£919
Manchester
£919
Southampton
£899
*Please note: Sark Observatory is run by volunteers. If access to the Observatory is unavailable we will enjoy an open location night sky viewing. Single supplement £120
Did you know? There are only two International Dark Skies Islands in the world, and both are in the British Isles. The first being Sark, and the second Coll in the Inner Hebrides, which gained the status in 2013.
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NORTHUMBERLAND
HAMPSHIRE
The Battlesteads Dark Sky Observatory is located on the site of the award-winning, eco-friendly Battlesteads Hotel in the village of Wark, on the edge of the Northumberland National Park.
Set in the stunning South Downs National Park, the award-winning Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium is the South of England’s interactive science and technology centre.
Opened in 2015 and a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, the observatory offers the chance to discover the beauty of Northumberland’s dark skies and is equipped with the latest telescopes chosen for their technical prowess and ease of use.
Opened in 2002, the centre has the largest standalone planetarium in the UK with a 360° cinema screen and two floors of interactive exhibits. The centre is designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site, with the location being recognised as an excellent place to stargaze.
2 days from £
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199pp
2 days from £
199pp
Sat 7 Sep 2019
Sat 26 Oct 2019
PRICE INCLUDES
PRICE INCLUDES
• Overnight stay at the Battlesteads Hotel, Wark with dinner & breakfast
• Overnight stay at the Holiday Inn, Winchester with dinner & breakfast
• Entrance to Battlesteads Dark Sky Observatory
• Entrance to Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium
• Lectures and night sky viewing with Pete Lawrence
• Lectures and night sky viewing with Pete Lawrence
Single supplement £30
Single supplement £30
Book now on 0330 013 0072 or omegabreaks.com/celestial
© The Observatory Science Centre
© Colin Raeburn
SCOTLAND
EAST SUSSEX
Originally built as a High School in 1854, the Stirling Highland Hotel lies in the heart of the beautiful, historic city of Stirling.
The world-famous Herstmonceux Observatory is a historic site that was once the home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory.
A new wing tower was added between 1886 and 1890, incorporating a 16th-century gateway from the remains of Stirling’s royal mint, which was embellished by zodiacal signs that can still be seen today. The astronomical observatory built on top houses a historic and incredibly impressive reflecting telescope that dates back to 1889, which is maintained by The Stirling Astronomical Society.
Opened as The Observatory Science Centre in April 1995, the domes, buildings and renovated telescopes provide spectacular hands-on science and discovery and allow visitors to savour the unique atmosphere of a site where astronomers studied the heavens from the 1950s to the 1980s. The six green domes of the centre all house historic telescopes.
2 days from £
169pp
2 days from £
149pp
Fri 1 Nov 2019
Sat 23 Nov 2019
PRICE INCLUDES
PRICE INCLUDES
• Overnight stay at the Stirling Highland Hotel, Stirling with dinner & breakfast
• Overnight stay at the Cavendish Hotel, Eastbourne with breakfast & return coach transfers from the hotel to Herstmonceux Observatory
• Exclusive use of the hotel’s observatory • Lectures and night sky viewing with Pete Lawrence
• Entrance to Herstmonceux Observatory, including dinner & private use of the telescope domes in the evening • Lectures and night sky viewing with Pete Lawrence
Single supplement £30
Single supplement £30
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Itinerary
ANTARCTICA CRUISE
& Solar Eclipse 2021
Days 1 & 2: Flight to Ushuaia & overnight hotel stay Day 3: Embarkation on the M/V Hondius Days 4 & 5: Journey across the Drake Passage Days 6-8: Entering Antarctica Days 9 & 10: Journey east ready for the eclipse Day 11: Eclipse day Day 12: Northward bound Days 13-16: South Georgia journey Days 17 & 18: At sea Day 19: Port Stanley Day 20: The Falklands Day 21: At sea Day 22: Disembarkation in Ushuaia or Buenos Aires Days 23 & 24: Flight to London
Join us on what has to be the ultimate adventure of a lifetime to see the 2021 total solar eclipse in Antarctica.
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On the day of this spectacular phenomenon, our ship will position itself in the centre of the shadow of the moon, and if possible, some distance into the Scotia Sea drift ice to give us the best view possible.
of the world, cruising in the path of the polar explorers who first charted these regions; as well as enjoying the chance to take part in a range of exclusive onshore activities and observe some impressive wildlife.
On this magnificent tour we also take in the sights of this unique part
This is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed!
See full itinerary at www.omegabreaks.com/ 2021Eclipse
Did you know? The path of the eclipse will move east to west rather than west to east as with most eclipse paths, due to being in a polar region.
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18,900pp
24daysfrom£
Departing Wed 24 Nov 2021 PRICE INCLUDES
Falkland Islands: The Falkland (Malvinas) Islands offer an abundance of wildlife that is easily approachable (though caution is always advised) – not only do various species of bird live here, but chances are great we’ll see both Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins in the surrounding waters. We also visit the capital of the Falkland Islands, Port Stanley, which offers a little Victorian-era charm. Port Stanley Falkland Islands
• Flight from Gatwick to Ushuaia and return flight from Ushuaia or Buenos Aires • Airport taxes and luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person) South Georgia: Over several days in South Georgia there is the option to visit* Cooper Bay, a great opportunity to see macaroni penguins; Grytviken, an abandoned whaling station where king penguins walk the streets; Fortuna Bay; Salisbury Plain, St Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour which are three of the world’s largest breeding beaches for southern elephant seals.
• Airport and hotel/boat transfers in Ushuaia/Buenos Aires • 1 night bed & breakfast at a selected hotel in Ushuaia • 19 nights full board on the M/V Hondius with: - Porterage - Full programme of lectures with astronomer Pete Lawrence
Ushuaia Grytviken South Georgia
- Full programme of shore excursions and activities facilitated by experienced expedition staff
Drake Passage South Orkney Islands
- Use of rubber boots and snowshoes on the M/V Hondius
Eclipse shadow centre line
Ic e k Pa c
Pa c
k
Ic e
Brown Bluff Neko Harbour
Eclipse: On the day of the eclipse, the ship positions itself in the centre of the shadow of the moon, and if possible, some distance into the Scotia Sea drift ice. There will be plenty of time to find your own space and set up any equipment ready to take in the wonder of the eclipse and the highlight of this spectacular trip.
• 1 night bed & breakfast at a selected hotel in Ushuaia or Buenos Aires • Tour accompanied throughout by astronomer Pete Lawrence and a tour manager Please note: itinerary details and the flight schedule are provisional and as a result, are subject to change. Prices are per person based on two people in a twin/ double room, twin porthole cabin and economy class flights. Price reductions available for 3 or 4 people sharing a triple or quad cabin. Please call for details. *Please keep in mind that weather conditions in this area can be challenging, largely dictating the programme so some activities may not be available. Sole use of a twin porthole cabin supplement: £8,250pp Deposit £3,000pp
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Terms & Conditions All breaks advertised are operated by Just Go! Holidays Ltd trading as Omega Breaks. Hotel & Ticket packaged holidays and short breaks are subject to Omega Breaks terms and conditions and are financially protected by a bond held with Bonded Coach Holiday Group (BCHG). Air package holidays are protected under ATOL No. 10889. Prices are correct at the time of publication but are subject to fluctuation and availability. The final price will depend on your chosen airport, airline and flight time. Please visit our website for details.
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Tours offered subject to availability. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room where applicable. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
Regrettably Omega Breaks cannot be held responsible for the non-appearance of Pete Lawrence or any of the other named astronomers and no refunds will be given in this event. A suitably qualified astronomer would be provided as a replacement in such circumstances.
Full terms and conditions will be provided with your booking confirmation and are available on request or at www.omegabreaks.com/terms.
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