Posted on 07/17/2018 7:33:17 PM PDT by BenLurkin
Viking Orion is only the second cruise ship in the world to have a planetarium; the other is the Queen Mary 2, an ocean liner of the Cunard Cruise Line. Although Viking Orion is not the first cruise ship to offer a planetarium, the company says this one is the most advanced, with a Digistar 6 display system, five projectors and studio speakers.
The addition of the Explorers' Dome on Viking Orion is viewed as a piece of "art," according to Viking. Joined by a NASA photo exhibit, the artwork on board pays tribute to the spirit of exploration.
"And, of course, there is a natural connection in having a planetarium on board a ship that is named for the prominent Orion constellation, [and] whose godmother is a retired NASA astronaut," de Klijn told Space.com. However, the planetarium is not necessarily something that will be included on other Viking Cruise ships.
"Viking's guests are curious explorers," de Klijn said. "We are always evolving the onboard and on shore experiences to provide additional opportunities for learning — the Explorers' Dome is one of the newest examples."
In addition to the Explorers' Dome, the ship will have a Viking resident astronomer. Howard Parkin, a Royal Astronomical Society fellow and founding member of the Isle of Man Astronomical Society, will lead lectures on the wonders of the cosmos and offer guided tours of the night sky during stargazing sessions using Viking's portable telescope. While other Viking ships have resident historians, Orion is the only one with a resident astronomer and historian. Parkin will continue to offer lectures through the ship's 2018 maiden season, de Klijn said.
(Excerpt) Read more at space.com ...
Today I learned that ships have godparents.
Attention all passengers, this what you could be seeing if you were on the top deck at night.
Are the astronomers going to preach climate change?
Is this what people really want to see on a cruise ship?
Like this was the number one experience cruisers said they wished the ship had but didnt?
I mean I would imagine they get a pretty good view of the sky on the top deck of the ship at night.
How many of these folks even know whre the nearest planetarium is on land where they live?
“Attention all passengers, this what you could be seeing if you were on the top deck at night.”
We crossed the equator at night on a cruise. We were on the highest level of the ship, a Royal Norwegian Cruise. Freepers, be advised, that area of the ship is clothing optional.
We will never forget it. Mrs. L and I were flat on our backs, as naked as the day we were born, watching the most incredible star show of our lives. Just the two of us.
It was magic.
L
Wonder if there will be pot and Pink Floyd at midnight
We went to a planetarium at The Creation Museum recently. We planned the trip for a no moon night. Naturally it poured. The planetarium had a program where they could show the exact night sky view that bee would have seen outdoors. It was cool.
My wife has learned a lot about astronomy lately and our son works in the space industry
Did not know one had to be nekkid for the event.
“Did not know one had to be nekkid for the event.”
You don’t have to be.
But it helps.
Best,
L
Weird.
Been in the Bahamas and Virgin Islands on the WindStar.
Step on deck and look up....
New line.
Is that a Telescope in your pocket or are you happy to see me?
....
Shades of Saturday nights in the 70’s with recreational drugs and Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' music at the Los Angeles Griffith Park planetarium.
Those stoners would now be the right age for cruise ships...:^)
On November 19, 1973, his project Laserium opened at the Griffith Observatory for a nearly three-decade run, and simultaneously kickstarted a wave of burned out Pink Floyd fans flocking to laser light shows at planetariums across the country.
Yeah i suppose, plenty of medical marijuana and depression meds on board.
“Step on deck and look up....”
Gave this article some thought.
Considering the modern schools maybe they need too in order that their passengers may identify the star systems at night?
Only GodMothers…..usually nice women that have done great things....however Whoopie Goldberg is a Godmother of a Royal Caribbean ship....might be a Celebrity one though. WHOOPIE GOLDBERG!!
Never heard of Royal Norweigan.
Sorry, meant Norwegian Cruise Lines.
L
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