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

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Overview
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?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
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
Itinerary

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....
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...
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...
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...
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, ...
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
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.
5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 4 Dinners
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