Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Welcomes Travel Sommelier and Dr. Jackie Milingo of the MMA as November Science Speaker Series

November 10, 2025

NANTUCKET, MA—The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) welcomes Darren Humphreys, founder and CEO of Travel Sommelier, and Dr. Jackie Milingo, MMA’s Director of Astronomy, for a captivating discussion on the upcoming total solar eclipses in Spain (2026) and Egypt (2027). Learn how Travel Sommelier and the MMA are collaborating to craft unique, curated astro-travel experiences for travelers eager to witness these extraordinary celestial events. This event is free and will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, November 19 from 7 – 8:30pm.

 

During the presentation, Humphreys will share how Travel Sommelier is designing seamless, one-of-a-kind eclipse travel experiences, crafted with precision, passion, and purpose. These itineraries include a week-long journey in northern Spain (2026) featuring Barcelona’s culinary delights and Menorca’s wellness offerings, as well as a trip along Egypt’s Nile River (2027), exploring ancient temples and the storied landscapes of one of the world’s most historic civilizations.

 

The MMA will collaborate on these exclusive trips by providing the guidance and insights of its professional astronomers to enhance the experience and offer expert insights on the celestial events, giving participants an insider’s view of these extraordinary astronomical phenomena.

 

This presentation offers a unique opportunity for travelers, astronomy enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the intersections of culture, history, and the cosmos to learn about once-in-a-lifetime adventures to witness these extraordinary solar eclipses.

 

Darren Humphreys, after a successful career on Wall Street, followed his true calling and founded Travel Sommelier, fueled by a deep-rooted wanderlust and a desire to share the power of meaningful travel. Humphreys strongly believes in having fun along the way and finds gratitude in finding close friendships among his trusted partners and curious clients.

 

Humphreys has explored over ninety countries across every continent and continues to find magic in every destination—immersing himself in new cultures, complex histories, and unforgettable culinary and wine experiences. From introducing travelers to his native South Africa to uncovering hidden gems around the globe, he invites you to see the world through a richer, more personal lens.


Dr. Jackie Milingo is an observational astronomer who earned B.S. degrees in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Kansas, and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Oklahoma. Her research is currently focused on understanding magnetic activity cycles in sun-like stars through long-term studies of star spots. Dr. Milingo joins the MMA after a year-long AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship at the U.S. National Science Foundation, where she was a Fellow in the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs, as well as the Astronomy Division in the Math and Physical Sciences Directorate. Before her fellowship, she was a professor in the Physics Department at Gettysburg College for over twenty years where her work included mentoring undergraduate research students.
 

Dr. Milingo joined the staff of the MMA in early September after a year-long, worldwide search for a new astronomer. She becomes the eighth MMA Astronomer and Director of the Astronomy Department of the MMA since Margaret Harwood, the MMA’s first astronomer, served from 1916 to 1957. Dr. Milingo has spent her career committed to generating transformative experiential learning opportunities, contributing to public education and outreach, removing barriers for students, and changing the conversation and learning spaces in astronomy, physics, and STEM in general. 

 

This event will be held via Zoom. Pre-registration is required.

To register for the free, virtual event, use the registration link below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iBdtLfUQRQuPH_Ytbh9u-Q#/registration


The Science Speaker Series is generously sponsored by the Maria Mitchell Association’s lead sponsor, Bank of America.


The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first professor of astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in the MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.

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For Immediate Release

November 10, 2025

Contact: Jonelle Gurley

jgurley@mariamitchell.org

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