HX Expeditions Announces Guest Speakers for 2026 Solar Eclipse Cruise

Noreen Kompanik
by Noreen Kompanik
Last updated: 11:40 AM ET, Tue August 12, 2025
Total Solar Eclipse Expedition 2026- HX Expeditions

Total Solar Eclipse Expedition 2026- HX Expeditions (Photo Credit: HX Expeditions)

Expedition cruise company HX Expeditions has announced its three guest speakers for its upcoming 2026 Solar Eclipse Expedition.

The journey includes visits to Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard while offering an opportunity to witness the rare phenomenon of a total solar eclipse from one of the best vantage points on Earth.

"Our captain and expedition team will position the ship for optimal viewing of the eclipse," said Alex McNeil, Chief Expedition Officer for HX Expeditions in a statement. "We won’t know our exact positioning until that day due to the dynamic Arctic conditions; the crew will navigate the ship to the best possible location for a truly awe-inspiring experience. Weather and ice conditions play a part, but the mobility of the ship allows us to avoid cloud cover and find the clearest skies for eclipse viewing."

The voyage begins in Oslo, sailing through the remote beauty of Svalbard before heading to Greenland’s vast north-eastern national park and concluding in Iceland.

Three distinguished speakers will share their expertise with guests, offering invaluable insights into the science behind the solar eclipse, the art of astrophotography and the history of solar eclipses. Their unique perspectives will enhance the extraordinary adventure, as participants experience one of nature's most awe-inspiring events.

The 2026 lineup includes:

  • Rahul Venkatraman: NASA Artemis engineer and astrophotographer
  • Dr. Daisy Dobrijevic: Reference Editor from Space.com.
  • Dr. Hans Wilhelm Zekl, PhD: Freelance science writer at astronomie.de and renowned German astrophysicist who has guided several solar eclipses since the 1990s.

Dr. Verena Miraldi, Chief Scientist for HX, said of the line-up: “This expedition blends scientific exploration, cultural engagement, and natural beauty into an unforgettable Arctic adventure – one that won’t be repeated. The addition of these scientific expert speakers, Rahul Venkatraman, Dr. Daisy Dobrijevic, and Dr. Hans W. Zekl, will deepen guests’ understanding of the solar eclipse and the forces that shape our universe.”

She added, "This expedition is more than just a celestial event. It’s about the opportunity to learn from real scientific experts, explore the Arctic’s wild beauty, and connect with cultures and traditions that have been shaped by this celestial event. It’s about the opportunity to learn from real scientific experts, explore the Arctic’s wild beauty, and connect with cultures and an extraordinary environment. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, science, and education – it’s the epitome of mindful travel.”

Adventure travelers can now book the expedition through HX Expedition’s website.


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