NASA station.

And Bermuda's virtually pollution-free environment has attracted the chief of the space agency's Search for Extraterrestrial Life (SETI) branch.

SETI head Dr. John Billingham, along with other top scientists and astronomers, arrived on board the Meridian cruise liner this week.

Their visit is part of a project organised by the Franklin Institute Science Museum of Philadelphia in conjunction with the Astronomical Society of Bermuda.

The Museum thought it would be a good idea to offer a combined astronomy and jazz cruise to Bermuda which, according to the staff, "is far away from the disturbing influences of manmade light pollution''.

Tonight the local Astronomical Society will escort the group to a West End site for an evening of star-gazing under the direction of Dr. Morley Nash.

There are certain stars and features of the skies that people in New York are too far north to see, Society head Mr. Eddie McGonagle pointed out. And Bermuda's clear skies will enable the group to see more of the sights.

The group of astronomers and scientists was invited along to give on-board lectures about the stars, planets, constellations and other related topics.

While here, Dr. Billingham will deliver a free public lecture on his work. The talk is set to take place at 7.30 p.m. on Thursday, upstairs of the Clocktower centre at Dockyard.

Dr. Billingham was appointed chief of SETI in 1976. The goals of the branch are to study the nature and distribution of life in the universe, to examine terrestrial ecosystems on a global scale and to carry out research and development on advanced life support systems.

SETI is now an office of 118 scientists with a budget of $15 million. Also on the cruise, is the Museum's award-winning Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble, which will be appearing with top local jazz musicians.