Astronaut Tim Peake will visit Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas resort in November to host an evening of conversation with guests, along with a separate talk about space dedicated to teens.
Located in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah is home to the first overwater observatory in the Maldives and the most powerful telescope in the region. The private island resort’s location, just above the equator, means that stars of both hemispheres are visible from there. Coupled with minimal light pollution and open skies, it is possible to see the pale-yellow rings of Saturn, the counter-rotating zones and belts of Jupiter and the Omega Centauri in the Milky Way.
an astronaut. (Tim Peake © Alex Chamberlin)
A relaxed and intimate talk on Peake’s “Journey Beyond Earth” will be held on November 2, 2023, on Anantara Kihavah’s Sky Deck, an overwater observatory and cocktail bar. Peake will offer insight into what it’s really like to be an astronaut; from training to launch, spacewalk to re-entry and the wonders of how and why humans journey into space. This will be followed by a 60-minute stargazing session with Hammadh, the resort’s resident Sky Guru. A native Maldivian, Hammadh will share details about what can be seen both with the naked eye and using the resort’s research-grade 16-inch Meade LX200 telescope mounted on a super-giant field tripod within the custom-built Ash-dome observatory which has a viewing capacity of 30 million light years away.
On November 3, Peake will host a talk on exploring space, for teens 10 to 18 years old. Peake has also authored a series of books for young teens, including the “Swarm Rising” books and “The Cosmic Diary of our Incredible Universe.” He will chat about his books and life as an astronaut, including becoming the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station and conduct a space-walk during his six-month mission, and also running the London marathon from space. He may even share a few tips to anyone hoping to follow in his footsteps. The talks will be complemented by a 60-minute stargazing session with Hammadh.
Fitting in with the theme, Anantara Kihavah’s Kid’s Club will have an intergalactic takeover November1–5, with little guests participating in space-inspired activities such as recycled rocket craft, space cookie making, planet puppet making and space painting using coffee.
“Journey Beyond Earth: An Inspiring Conversation with Tim Peake” will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on November 2. Tickets include champagne, cosmic-inspired cocktails and canapés, and including a 60-minute stargazing session with Hammadh. For younger guests, tickets for “Exploring Space with Tim Peake” on November 3, with cosmic-inspired mocktails and snacks, and including a stargazing session with Hammadh.
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