View the Night Sky at Kitt Peak Observatory
December 8, 2007 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Things to See & Do
Boasting over 300 clear nights a year, Kitt Peak National Observatory, located about an hour outside of Tucson (Arizona), offers stunning view of the night sky.
Kitt Peak has the world’s largest collection of optical telescopes, 21 in all, and offers a number of viewing programs sure to get you hooked on Astronomy.
Daily observatory tours begin at 10 am, 11:30 am, and 1:30 pm, and last approximately one hour. You’ll get to see the telescopes from a gallery, and 
tour guides will provide you with information about the work going on at the observatory. It’s an informative tour, and the only downside is that there is no telescope observation during daylight hours. Although there is no official charge to visit the observatory, a recommended donation is $2 for adults and $1 for children. It’s worth it!
The Nightly Observing Program is an introduction to the night sky with a star chart and binoculars so that you can identify what you are seeing as you gaze toward the heavens. This is followed up with a look through one of the three public telescopes, giving you an even more amazing view. The charge for the program is $36 for adults, $31 for students and seniors, with ID. This is a VERY popular program, and reservations are required. You should plan to book about one month in advance. Visit the website or call (520) 318-8726. I’ve not yet been able to schedule a night observation, but it’s something that I’d really like to do.
If you can’t make it to Tucson, you can still visit Kitt Peak with their Virtual Tour, or check out the webcams which are update every minute.
NOTE: The night program is not operated during mid-July through August due to desert weather conditions.
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Observatories are wonderful. We have the David Dunlop Observatory in Toronto and not too long ago we also had a Planetarium; I used to the latter all the time as a kid.
Kitt Peak is wonderful. However, almost all major observatories have some sort of public outreach program that involves observing. So, anytime that you go to places near a major observatory, then you can check ahead of time for when their public programs are happening.
Good tip, Astroprof.
I think about it more when I’m traveling than when I’m at home. There’s a lesson there!
Hi,
I am glad you enjoyed your visit at Kitt Peak! If you are in the area again, please consider attending the new experiences offered at the Mount Lemmon SkyCenter (just north of Tucson). We have a new facility and state-of-the-art equipment to give you premier access to the Universe!
Sincerely,
Adam Block
SkyCenter.arizona.edu
Hello Adam, and thanks for leaving your suggstion.
I’m in your area frequently and will check out Mount Lemmon SkyCenter on a future visit. Sounds like lots of good stuff there!