Whilst Professor Brian Cox continues to amaze viewers with his BBC series Wonders of the Universe, from 10^th - 17^th October, Wilderness and Wildlife travel experts Aqua-Firma and astronomical guide Dr Lothar Kurze, will be sailing to the High Arctic of southern Spitsbergen - a prime location for observing the Northern Lights (Aurora borealis).

This expert led Natural History Sailing Voyage is set to provide astronomical enlightenment to what should already be an awe inspiring Arctic wilderness experience by day.  Dr Kurze will be on hand to educate passengers about the science of astronomy, the stars, planets and the Northern Lights. Along the journey he will also set up his telescope to provide hands on opportunities to observe the night skies.

By early October, the Arctic is enjoying regular patterns of night and day. As the month progresses, twilight hours grow longer during which the skies transform into beautiful shades of orange and red.  Night time hours also lengthen and on clear nights, this provides ideal opportunities for observing the 'dances of the auroras', which in this part of the world can be seen free of light and air pollution.

During the day, the onboard natural history guide will focus attention on Spitsbergen's fascinating wildlife, breathtaking Arctic scenery and unique place in Polar history.  Mountains, glaciers and icy fjords offer endless photographic opportunities.  Although much of the birdlife has by this time of year has fled the island in search of warmer climes, we can still hope to see wildlife which includes the ghostly beluga whale, bearded seals and reindeer.  There is also a possibility of encountering the King of the Arctic Wilderness: the Polar Bear. Male bears are the most common to see at this time of year since pregnant females will be starting to den in preparation for winter.    

This voyage will be based on a beautiful one hundred and one year old sailing schooner, reminiscent of those used by early polar explorers. She is the ideal platform from which to detach her passengers from their everyday lives and simply soak up the atmosphere of the surrounding Arctic scenery.  Passengers will also get the chance to hoist the sails and observe the experienced crew as they steer the ship through the icy waters.  To explore Spitsbergen's wilderness further still, there will be daily opportunities for onshore treks and coastal cruising by rigid inflatable boat.

For further details about the abovementioned South Spitsbergen Astonomy and Natural History Sailing Voyage, please Click Here

Aqua-Firma offers a variety of Polar Voyages throughout the year to the Arctic, Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, both under sail or aboard small ice strengthened ships.  If Arctic wildlife is your focus, then Aqua-Firma's 16 day Around Spitsbergen Sailing Voyage in August is ideal.  For more information on Aqua-Firma's Polar Voyages please Click Here