The Stars and the Sky: A Week With the Scientists at Penn State University

6 days
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4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews  
81%
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Group Tour
Learn how to read the sky as you discover the science behind weather forecasting or astronomy from captivating discussions and exciting excursions with Penn State experts.
$1,349
From$1,149
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Choose the Meteorology date and learn how to read radar, observational networks and understand numerical weather prediction with demonstrations from expert meteorologists
    • Choose the Astronomy date and learn from knowledgeable astronomers about Mars in 3-D and dark energy while searching for planets and life around other stars
    • Utilize the advanced technology offered at the university, like a large research-grade telescope and an impressive radar tracking system

What's this trip about?

    Learn how to read the sky as you discover the science behind weather forecasting or astronomy from captivating discussions and exciting excursions with Penn State experts.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityPennsylvania
End CityPennsylvania

Travel Themes

  • 50 Plus
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

Activities

  • Educational/ Learning

Trip includes

    • 5 nights of accommodations
    • 18 expert-led lectures
    • 1 expert-led field trip
    • 1 hands-on experience
    • An experienced Group Leader
    • Customary gratuities throughout the program
    • Road Scholar Assurance Plan
    • Taxes

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

Meals: Dinner 

Accommodation: Nittany Lion Inn

Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, Intro to Universe

University Park/State College, PA 

Activity note: Inn check in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 4:30-6:00 p.m....

Day 2

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Accommodation: Nittany Lion Inn

Solar System, Mars & Stars, Sky Observation

University Park/State College, PA

Activity note: Nittany Lion Inn to Davey Lab is approximately ½ mile. Getting on/off a tro...

Day 3

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Nittany Lion Inn

Stars, Black Holes, Wormholes, Phases of the Moon

University Park/State College, PA 

Activity note: For those who do not wish to walk from the inn to the lab, transportation will be provided.

Breakfast: Inn buffet.

Morning: At the Davey Lab...

Day 4

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Accommodation: Nittany Lion Inn

Galaxy Classification, The Big Bang Theory

University Park/State College, PA

Breakfast: Inn buffet.

Morning: Strap in for a brief history of the universe and the Big...

Day 5

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Accommodation: Nittany Lion Inn

Dark Energy, Science, Religion & Existence, Astro Jeopardy

University Park/State College, PA 

Activity note: For those who do not wish to walk from the inn to the lab, ...

Day 6

Meals: Brakfast

Review, Program Concludes

University Park/State College, PA 

Activity note: Hotel check out 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: For our final meal of the program together, our professors from throughout the course will join us over the br...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,149
Price per day$192
Single supplement (single occupancy)$300
Last Updated: 11/12/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Nittany Lion Inn - 5 nights  State College, PA

Participants stay at the charming Nittany Lion Inn on-campus, a historic National Trust hotel. With the elegance of colonial New England, The Inn exudes tradition while offering today's amenities. Buffet dinners and breakfasts offer sumptuous classic cuisine. You will enjoy walking around the beautifully landscaped campus this time of year. Many landmarks, museums and exhibits are open for your exploration. Program excludes one dinner. Participants can choose from local restaurants in quaint, downtown State College Campus. We will help organize groups and transportation for those interested. Walking is expected. The hotel van is available for those preferring a ride, though participants must be able to get in and out of the back of a van. Tours of campus and museums will add a variety of experiences.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 4 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
roadscholar-969

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