Swan Hellenic partners with the SETI Institute to offer its guests expert insights into the history and latest discoveries in astronomy, astrophysics, astrobiology, and planetary science, as well as the search for other life forms within and beyond our solar system. This quest takes SETI Institute researchers to the most remote and inhospitable corners of the planet to explore for life, including Antarctica, where the Swan Hellenic fleet is present for several months each year.
The new partnership aims to attract the many adventurous travelers on the Swan Hellenic with never-before-seen presentations about explorations around the Earth and beyond, with equipment from the SETI Institute, including an advanced telescope, installed on board.
Among the experts initially planned for Swan Hellenic's 2023 cultural expedition cruises is the Director of Education and Outreach and Deputy Director of Research, Dr. Simon Steel, an astronomer and astrophysicist with a PhD specializing in the study of galaxies. He has taught at Harvard University and University College London. He is scheduled to accompany the SH Vega on cultural cruises to Antarctica, the British Isles, and Iceland.
Bill Diamond, President and CEO of the SETI Institute, is also finalizing preparations to accompany Swan Hellenic's Arctic Odyssey cruise aboard the SH Diana in June. Diamond has worked primarily in applied technologies and has over 20 years of experience in photonics and optical communications, in addition to more than a decade in X-ray technologies and semiconductor processing.
Diamond commented on the agreement: “The work of the SETI Institute highlights humanity’s relationship with our planet, our solar system, and the universe beyond. More than 100 scientists at the Institute strive to understand humanity’s place in the cosmos. Outreach and public engagement are also central to our mission, and we are delighted to have the opportunity for our scientists and thought leaders to interact with the curious adventurers exploring with Swan Hellenic.”.
Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic, commented: “We are immensely proud of this new partnership. The presence of the eminent scientists from the SETI Institute on board our cultural expedition cruises, sharing their expert knowledge in astrobiology, geology, physics, chemistry, and astronomy, completes another facet of our quest to take our guests to see what others don't.”.
