SITA SOLAR ECLIPSE TOURS : About Us



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	ABOUT US PROFILES
	Susan Neva With 15 years in the travel industry, selling tours to exotic destinations around the world, Susan Neva has the experience to handle your travel arrangements with confidence. Her first Eclipse experience was the June 2001 in Zambia when she handled all the arrangements and accompanied over 150 Eclipse chasers to witness this spectacular event.
	James C. White II, Ph.D Dr. Jay White is the Crain Professor of Physics and the Chairman of the Department of Physics at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. A Fellow of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and Great Britainís Royal Astronomical Society, White is also editor of Mercury, the magazine of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and a former Executive Director of the Society. The Society, which is headquartered in San Francisco, is the world's oldest and largest general astronomy organization with members in more than 70 countries. His astronomical research deals primarily with eruptive, interacting binary stars, and in particular the accretion structures in these systems, but of equal interest to him is the study of the sociology and politics of science --- particularly the practice of science in developing countries, the intersection of science, popular culture, and education, and the interaction between amateur and professional astronomers. White is Chair of the IAU's group for the improvement of scientific and educational infrastructure in developing countries. He is also a member of the American Physical Society's U.S.-Africa taskforce. White, who received his Ph.D. degree in astronomy from Indiana University, is the author of numerous professional publications and popular articles, is a frequent leader of astronomy and science-related trips throughout the world, and is a frequent astronomy and science lecturer in venues around the globe.
	Larry Marshall, Ph.D Dr. Marschall is on the faculty of Gettysburg College where he teaches courses in astronomy, physics, and science writing. He is a veteran of 4 total, 2 annular, and uncounted partial eclipses. Educated at Cornell University (B.S., 1966) and the University of Chicago (Ph.D., 1971), he joined the Gettysburg faculty in 1971. He has been a visiting Professor at Boston University (1987 and 1995), and a visiting scientist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics(1986 and 1994) and Yale University (1980). In 1998 he received a Distinguished Teaching Award from Gettysburg College. Dr. Marschall's areas of research include observational studies of binary stars, very young stars, and supernovas, and shadow bands at solar eclipses. He is also known among astronomers for his work in astronomy education, both in promoting the use of electronic cameras for undergraduate research at small observatories, and in directing Project CLEA (Contemporary Laboratory Experiences in Astronomy) which develops innovative computer exercises in astronomy. Project CLEA exercises are used by tens of thousands of students in all 50 states and 50 foreign countries, and have twice been awarded national prizes for educational software from the journal COMPUTERS IN PHYSICS. Besides his teaching and research, Dr. Marschall is an active science popularizer. He has been a contributing editor to the award-winning popular magazine THE SCIENCES for the past 15 years, writing occasional articles on astronomy and a regular column on current popular books from all the sciences. He was editor of a quarterly magazine for amateur astronomers, CCD ASTRONOMY, and is a contributing editor of SMITHSONIAN AIR AND SPACE. He contributes annual astronomy updates to THE WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. His book THE SUPERNOVA STORY (Princeton Science Library, 1994) a book for the general reader has been widely praised for its readability. He currently serves as Deputy Press Officer of the American Astronomical Society. In addition to over 40 articles in professional journals, Professor Marschall has written dozens of popular science articles and reviews for publications such as Sky and Telescope, Astronomy, Harper's, Newsday, and The New York Times Book Review.
	COMPANY PROFILE We are one of the oldest tour operators in North America. Founded in 1933 as Students' International Travel Association (SITA), we originally provided budget tours to exotic destinations for students. Over the years our destinations and focus have changed, and we currently promote deluxe tours to Africa, Asia, and the Orient. India and Nepal African and Middle East Orient and China Palace on Wheels including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma/ Myanmar, Hong Kong, Tibet, Malaysia, Japan, Mongolia, Singapore, Korea, Laos, Pakistan, Persia and Philippines We have a long history of operating eclipse tours, and can assure you of an unparalleled Eclipse experience. Our well-planned tour itineraries offer unique eclipse viewing combined with exposure to local culture and exotic destinations. As an Active Member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), we are required to post $1 Million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA Consumer Protection Plan, the advance payments of SITA customers in the unlikely event of SITA bankruptcy or insolvency. Complete details of the USTOA Consumer Protection Plan may be obtained by either calling USTOA at 212-599-6599 or visiting their Web site at ustoa.com. We also belong to ASTA TOP, the American Society of Travel Agents Tour Operator Program, open only to select operators meeting the highest standards of reliability and financial stability. In addition, a $5 Million TAPP Insurance Policy is in effect, the largest amount to be carried by a single tour operator. OFFICES Corporate Headquarters (Los Angeles) SITA Building 16250 Ventura Blvd., Suite 300 Encino, CA 91436 phone: 818-990-9530 e-mail: sitatours@sitatours.com New York Houston Chicago Toronto Vancouver HOME \| ABOUT US \| TOURS \| SCHEDULE \| BOOKING FORM \| CONTACT US \| FOCUS