- Hours: Open daily except Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1
- Reservations: Reservations are suggested for evening programs
- Cost: Fee depends on the type of tour
- Location: Near Tucson - directions below
- How Long: How long you'll be there depends on the tour you take and your level of interest
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year for daytime tours. The full moon tends to interfere with night viewing, so try to go on a darker night if you can.
- See It Now: Photo Tour
The Kitt Peak National Observatory Visitor Center offers several programs:
- Daytime Tours: Self-guided tours of the 4-meter, 2.1-meter and solar telescopes. They also give free guided tours three times a day.
- Night Program: My favorite way to see Kitt Peak is the way astronomers do: at night. The program starts shortly before sunset, with a brief tour of a research telescope and a stop to watch the sunset. After tour leaders explain how to use a star chart and hand out binoculars, visitors go outside to view some near-space objects through binoculars before spending the rest of the evening watching nebulae, stars and other space objects through a 20-inch telescope. Reservations are required.
- Advanced Observing Program: An all-night experience geared toward amateur astronomers who want to use a large telescope and state-of-the-art instruments. Limited to two participants per night and reservations are required.
What to expect at Kitt Peak
- No food or gas facilities are available at Kitt Peak, but they do have public restrooms and a picnic area
- The Visitor Center's elevation is 6,875 feet above sea level. It will be cooler than in Tucson, especially at night
- No alcohol is allowed at Kitt Peak because of its location on the Tohono O'oham Reservation
- Pets are allowed only on a leash, and not inside any buildings
- The Visitor Center closes in late afternoon, but those attending the night observing program can still get in
Getting to Kitt Peak
Kitt Peak National ObservatoryKitt Peak National Observatory is 56 miles southwest of Tucson on the Tohono O'Odham Reservation, reached via State Route 86. Allow 90 minutes to drive from Tucson, and fill up with fuel before you go; it's a long way out there with no gas stations.
Tohono O'odham Reservation, AZ
520-318-8726
Website
If you'd rather not drive out, Adobe Shuttle (520-609-0593) provides transportation from Tucson to Kitt Peak for both the day and evening programs. They charge a fee, but you won't have to worry about getting lost or driving late at night.
