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Asteroid Fly-by Expedition – Morocco

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From$10,899
Price
From$10,899
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11234
April 9 - 17, 2029
Max People : 200
Tour Details
On April 13, 2029, a “true” once in a lifetime event is happening on Earth. The aircraft carrier-sized asteroid Apophis will make a close approach to Earth –about 19,000 miles (30,600 kilometers) than any other asteroid before.  The asteroid ranks #1 on a SHORT LIST of potentially dangerous objects that could one day hit Earth and astronomers once wondered if it would strike our planet on this occasion. We know now that asteroid Apophis won’t hit Earth anytime soon, but the upcoming flyby will provide a rare opportunity to study the space rock up close. For humans in the path of passage the asteroid will appear as a 3.1 magnitude naked eye object passing closer to the Earth than any other known asteroid ever has.

Above is the asterism called The Big Dipper. If you can see this star (Megrez) at the tip of the yellow arrow, then you will be able to see the asteroid. It is about magnitude 3.1.
 
Our rare and extraordinary journey combines this awe-inspiring celestial event with the opportunity to experience Morocco’s fascinating history, colorful culture, stunning landscapes, and timeless traditions. From the bustling streets of Casablanca and the ancient medinas of Fes to an unforgettable evening beneath the stars at a dark sky site in the Sahara when Apophis will fly during new moon by less than 22,000 miles from us in a dark sky. The tour ends at the vibrant city of Marrakech and showcases the very best of Morocco. With limited space available, don’t wait to make your dream of experiencing the 2029 asteroid flyby in Morocco a reality.

From a carefully selected dark-sky location, witness this remarkable event while participating in expert-led sessions discussing the history and context behind the latest discoveries. There will be a New Moon so there will be no interference.  Scientists around the world will measure Apophis’ shape, rotation, internal structure, and surface while watching, in real time, how Earth’s gravity subtly alters the asteroid during its close passage. The results will deepen our understanding of asteroid evolution, refine planetary defense strategies, and make the 2029 flyby one of the landmark celestial events of the century.

Ring of Fire Expeditions invites you to join an extraordinary expedition to Morocco for the historic asteroid flyby of April 13, 2029.

This expedition will be led by Paul D. Maley of the NASA Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society and co-hosted by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Spacecraft Navigator and Solar System Dynamicist Jon Giorgini. The upcoming 2029 asteroid flyby presents an extraordinary opportunity to witness one of the rarest astronomical events of our lifetime in the company of two experts in their field.

Expedition Leaders

Paul D. Maley has decades of experience leading astronomy expeditions around the world have made him one of the most respected names in celestial travel.  In addition to having observed more solar eclipses than anyone living or dead he was the first person to suggest the existence of satellites of asteroids (1977). He has successfully observed more than 1,100 eclipses of stars by asteroids from 6 continents, discovering 22 new binary stars in the process.  In May 2026 he independently discovered a satellite of the asteroid (92590) 2000PT13. Learn more about.  The International Astronomical Union named asteroid “27675 Paulmaley” in his honor.  See https://pauldmaley.com/

Jon Giorgini was a navigator at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for the Magellan spacecraft during its mapping of the planet Venus (1991-1993). He developed and implemented a new navigation methodology for the first interplanetary aerobrake, then flew the spacecraft through the atmosphere of Venus for three months to lower and circularize its orbit.  He was a navigator for the Mars Global Surveyor aerobrake planning and interplanetary phases, followed by the Near-Earth Asteroid Rendezvous mission navigation and radio science teams, the first to successfully land a spacecraft on an asteroid.  As a member of the asteroid radar observing team, he is responsible for orbit analysis and predictions used to operate radar tracking systems world-wide, but particularly Goldstone, Canberra, and Arecibo. He has worked on more than 900 asteroid radar targets since 1994.  He discovered the potential Earth impact hazard posed by the asteroid 1950 DA in 2880, currently the highest known impact risk, and developed methods to assess dynamics and impact potential over centuries. Giorgini is author or co-author of 114 research papers, five book chapters, and 49 discovery announcements. Giorgini’s awards include the JPL Ed Stone Outstanding Research Paper Award, an analysis of Apophis selected by JPL scientists as one of the two best research papers from JPL in 2007, the Harold Masurksy Award from American Astronomical Society’s Division for Planetary Sciences for outstanding service to planetary science, a NASA Space Act Award and a NASA Exceptional Service Medal. The International Astronomical Union named asteroid “6775 Giorgini” in his honor.

Tour DetailsItineraryCost, Registration, & Payment
Itinerary

Program Itinerary:

Please note that while every effort has been made to finalize this customized itinerary, it remains subject to potential adjustments or modifications. We strive to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants, and any changes will be communicated promptly.

Day 1April 9, 2029 - Overnight flight to Morocco

Day 2April 10, 2029 - Arrive at Casablanca Airport

Accommodation

Le Casablanca Hotel

Meals included: Welcome Dinner

 

Day 3April 11, 2029 - Casablanca

Included Activities

• Hassan II Mosque Visit

• Lunch with wine pairing

Accommodation

Sahrai Hotel

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4April 12, 2029 - Fes

Included Activities

• Guided tour of Fes (Palace’s Gates, Medersa, and tanneries)

• Lunch at Palais Amani

• Souk and artisan’s quarter

Accommodation

Sahri Hotel

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Day 5April 13, 2029 - Asteroid Flyby

Today you will drive to the Sahara and check into our camp for the night. Dinner by the campfire and stargazing, including the astroid flyby. Live Tribal Moroccan music.

Accommodation

Camp Chebi

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6April 14, 2029 - Quarzazate

Morning drive through the Dades Valley

Accommodation

Bebere Palace

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7April 15, 2029 - Marrakesh

Depart Quarzazate. Enjoy a scenic drive to Marrakesh. Your afternoon is at your leisure. This evening features an exclusive sunset sidecar ride through the Medina.

 

Accommodation

Fairmont Marrakesh

Meals included: breakfast

Day 8April 16, 2029 - Marrakesh

Included Activities

• Private Tagine cooking class with a local “Dada”

• Guided Tour of Marrakesh, Souks, and Medina

• Farewell dinner at Bo zin.

 
Accommodation

Fairmont Marrakesh

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, farewell dinner
 

Day 9April 17, 2029 - Depart Morocco

Transfer to Marrakesh airport for flights home.

Price Includes

  • Eclipse Tours Scientist hosts Paul D. Maley and Jon Giorgini
  • Accommodations as outlined (standard room category – upgrade requests at cost where available)
  • Daily breakfast
  • All listed meals - meals are 3-course and include soft drinks, water, tea/coffee
  • Transportation in luxury minibuses equipped with A/C, Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Certified local professional tour guides managing the expedition
  • Entrance/admission fees where applicable with included activities
  • Taxes & Fees

Price Excludes

  • International Flights
  • Any passport fees (your passport must have a minimum validity of 6 months after your return date)
  • Any visa/entry fees (if applicable)
  • Gratuities to tour directors/drivers/local guides (tipping guidelines will be shared in program note)
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Expenditures of a personal nature (laundry, phone calls, etc)
  • Alcoholic beverages (note that Morocco is a Muslim country where alcohol availability is restricted)
  • Medical services and fees
  • Travel Insurance
Cost, Registration, & Payment

Pricing Information

Double Occupancy Room (2 people sharing a room)   $10,899.00
 
 
Single Occupancy Room (1 person in the room)   $13,899.00
 

Payment Information

Deposit & Registration:
Registering for a spot on this program requires a $1,500 refundable deposit per person. This deposit becomes non-refundable by November 1, 2026, upon formal confirmation of the expedition by Eclipse Tours/ Ring of Fire Expeditions.

A 2nd non-refundable deposit is due July 31, 2027 of $3,000 per person.
All new bookings made on or after August 1, 2027, require a $4500 non-refundable deposit.

Final payment is due April 30, 2028. All monies received after this date become non-refundable.

Registrations are acknowledged in order received. Direct Travel handles all invoicing.  For questions about registrations or billing contact Direct Travel by phoning +1 309-834-3739 or toll free 1-866-592-0455; or by email reservations@directtravelgroups.com.

Cancellations and Refunds:
Cancellation fees are based on the date the written notice is received by Direct Travel. (Notification of cancellation must be received in writing.)  A full copy of our terms can be found on the eclipsetours.com website.

The $1500 per person deposit is non-refundable after November 1, 2026.

From November 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027, the cancellation penalty is $1,500.00 per person.

From August 1, 2027, to April 30, 2028, the cancellation penalty is $4,500.00 per person.

After May 1, 2028, until trip departure, the penalty to cancel is 100% of the trip cost.

Travel Insurance:
We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and delay insurance (cancel for any reason is recommended) and out of country medical insurance (to include emergency evacuation) once the program is confirmed and your deposit becomes nonrefundable.

Due to the exotic nature of this unique Asteroid flyby expedition and the remote places visited, Eclipse Tours/ Ring of Fire Expedition requires all participants to carry travel insurance protection.

VISA + Formalities:

A valid government issued passport is required for each participant to travel on this expedition.

As of 7/25/26, for stays under 90 days, no visitor VISA is required for the passport holders Western countries (USA, Canada, Europe) to enter Morocco.

Note: It is the responsibility of each traveler to comply with entry/exit requirements for countries visited during this expedition. Eclipse Tours/ Ring of Fire Expeditions will make every effort to inform travelers of any regulatory changes in advance to its best abilities.

Registering for the Tour

Complete one registration form per person. You will be confirmed only after BOTH a deposit AND registration form have been received by Direct Travel.

Click here to register

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