NASA Astronaut Arrives In Fiji
An astronaut from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is in the country to be part of the journey to the stars programme organised by award winning resort, Nanuku.
Dr Yvonne Cagle joined the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an astronaut in 1996.
A quick google search shows that Dr Cagle is one of only six African American female astronauts in recorded history.
Nanuku Resort general manager Logan Miller said the luxury resort was set to present an extended series of events which would coincide with the new moon cycle of October 2022.
Mr Miller said from Saturday guests of the resort can explore deep space and the moon from the shores of the South Pacific, one of the best stargazing destinations in the world.
“Apart from the astronaut, there will also be special guests from the NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute,” he said.
“With their assistance, our guests will be able to enjoy and learn about our universe. There are activities organised for guests for the next ten days.”
He said the special guests from the NASA will visit three local schools and share educational experiences with students.
“We’re so excited to be hosting such a unique series of events at Nanuku Resort and to be able to share this moment with the community,” he said.
“With this experience we hope to inspire local students and guests to explore how the tropical night sky relates to Fiji’s past, present and future.
“We would also like to inspire students to consider continuing their exploration of science and space.
“Like ancient explorers who looked to the stars to guide them to new worlds, astronomers today use stars to discover worlds many light years beyond our solar system.
“By studying stars and their unique influence, we can learn a great deal about their worlds – even their potential to sustain life as we know it,” he said.
He said guests would be having lunch with Dr Cagle on Saturday to learn what it takes to be an astronaut and what space travel was really like.
“Guests will be able to learn about current and upcoming space projects and missions, and how NASA is achieving the seemingly impossible every day.
“They will also be able to enjoy the healing properties of the moon during a night-massage, complete with moon water inspired by the programme.
“With their guide, guests can enjoy a boat ride to a private island to learn about the Fijian navigation traditions using the night stars as a guide,” he said.
Representatives from NASA will also be donating a Dobsonian telescope for ongoing use for guests of the resort to observe planets and deep sky objects like nebulae and galaxies.
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