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Archive for August 28th, 2013

Climb Kilimanjaro by the Light of the Supermoon

Wednesday, August 28th, 2013

Celestial Phenomenon to Look for in 2014

On August 10, 2014 the full moon will be closer to Earth than usual causing a phenomenon known as a “Supermoon”. This event occurs approximately every 14 full-moon cycles and results in the moon appearing larger and brighter than normal. Climbers on the August 2014 Kilimanjaro expedition will get to experience the supermoon from the comfort of our camp high on the mountain. The dramatic moon will rise shortly after 6pm just as the sun is setting over the shoulder of Kilimanjaro.

But the magnificence in the sky doesn’t end there. The climb also falls during the Perseids Meteor Shower which occurs from July 17 to August 24 peaking on the night of August 12 and early morning of August 13. This shower produces about 60 meteors per hour at its peak and is famous for being particularly bright. Don’t miss it! Join us on Kilimanjaro August 2 – 15, 2014.

A starry night in the Caucasus Mountains (Photo Credit: Vladimir Kopylov)

A starry night in the Caucasus Mountains (Photo Credit: Vladimir Kopylov)

The full moon on Mount Elbrus summit day, Russia (Photo Credit: Vladimir Kopylov)

The full moon on Mount Elbrus summit day, Russia (Photo Credit: Vladimir Kopylov)

Other Noteworthy Celestial Events of 2014 and Where to See Them

January 1-5: Quadrantids Meteor Shower – This meteor shower peaks at up to 40 meteors per hour and this year it will be particularly bright thanks to an early setting of a small crescent moon. Watch the celestial show at its peak on January 2 from the comfort of your safari lodge in Tarangire National Park.

Kilimanjaro Climb with 6-day Safari: December 21, 2013 – January 7, 2014

The first light of the day shines on the glaciers of Kilimanjaro

The first light of the day shines on the glaciers of Kilimanjaro

April 19 – May 28: Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower – Prepare to be awed by one of the more active meteor showers of the year capable of exhibiting up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. This show is most pronounced in Southern Hemisphere, but those in the Northern Hemisphere will still be able to enjoy the show. When the show reaches its peak on May 5, the moon will be in its first quarter and will set early in the evening in Nepal. Everest Base Camp trekkers will be in the remote Khumbu Valley where the sky is dark and viewing is ideal.

Everest Base Camp Trek: April 19 – May 12, 2014

The moon rises dramatically over the snowy peaks of the Himalaya

The moon rises dramatically over the snowy peaks of the Himalaya

December 7-17: Geminids Meteor Shower – Many consider this to be the “king” of meteor showers producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak. The waning moon will potentially block some meteors from view this year, but the Geminids are so bright and numerous that it will still be a spectacular show. The meteor action reaches its peak on December 13 where you can view it from the comfort of your safari lodge in the Ngorongoro Crater. No light pollution here!

Kilimanjaro Climb with 6-day Safari: November 29 – December 16, 2014

Sunset in Ngorongoro Crater

Sunset in Ngorongoro Crater

Customized Trips are Always Available

Is there an astrological event you would like to see next year that either isn’t listed here? Or would you like to see an event from a different location? Contact us. We’re always happy to accommodate your travel requests for dates and destinations that work for you!