On the recent 5-night cruise aboard P&O's Pacific Explorer, passengers and crew were treated to an extraordinary spectacle - a total Hybrid Solar Eclipse. The ship sailed from Fremantle and anchored off the coast of Exmouth, Western Australia, offering an unparalleled view of the eclipse on April 20. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a Hybrid Solar Eclipse that tracked over the North West Cape of Western Australia, including Exmouth. The Pacific Explorer was perfectly positioned to observe the first Hybrid Solar Eclipse visible from Australia in 1000 years. Known as the "King of Eclipses," guests aboard the ship were able to observe the sun, moon, and Earth's discs aligning in a rare astronomical phenomenon.
Thousands of passengers, including crew, gathered on the open deck to witness the rare solar eclipse which took about three hours and lasted around 62 seconds. People from all over the world were drawn to this voyage to witness this extraordinary event, and P&O Australia partnered with the Astronomical Society of Australia and Dr Rebecca Allen to provide an unforgettable and educational experience for all guests. The cruise included special presentations by professional astronomers from the Astronomical Society of Australia, who gave lectures, Q&A sessions, and shared their knowledge on eclipse and astronomy basics, cutting-edge astronomical research, and other special topics. There were also opportunities for stargazing to explore the Southern sky and learn about cultural knowledge.
Dr. Rebecca Allen, Co-Director of the Space Technology and Industry Institute at Swinburne University of Technology, was a featured presenter on board the Pacific Explorer. She expressed her awe at the spectacle, stating that "Today, Australia experienced a remarkable solar eclipse. Those lucky enough to be at sea near the Ningaloo Reef, or on land at North West Cape and Exmouth, experienced totality which is when the Moon fully blocks the Sun, while a significant portion of the country was exposed to a partial eclipse."
