Kitt Peak Observatory - South of Tucson, towards Nogales, Mexico!

Day Tour: $2 Donation Recommended Night Observation Tour - about $36 per

Info: 520-318-8200
Reservations: 520-318-8726

Day Tours: 9am - 3:45p
Tours: 10a, 11:30a, 1:30p

Closed Thanks, Christmas (eve&day) & New Years

From Tucson: 1hr 30min
Sierra Vista:

Pets on leash OK, in the park - but not the Observatory

www.noao.edu

Kitt Peak
Observatory, picnic and hiking area

More things to do

Jacob's Review:

If you ever wanted to be a scientist then you got to go to this, it is so cool! They have a bunch of real science telescopes and you can see the stars and planets so close that it looks like a movie - but it is real.

Dad's Notes:

Kitt peak, a short 90 min. drive from Tucson boasts the largest collection of optical telescopes on the planet! Some 22 optical & 2 radio telescopes offer inspiring educational or intriguing experiences for the kids (both little and big).

Picnic sites and great scenery are complimentary, head almost all the way up for the picnic sites on top. There isn't power, but there is water. Cement pads are available for $15 rental for your own telescope set up. The night viewing program includes a boxed diner and sunset viewing, followed by binos & star charts followed by a 2 hour expert guided tour of the universe utilizing the 16” Visitor Center telescope.

Because of popularity of visiting this national treasure, and small group size, reservations should be made at least 3 weeks out or more! No gas or food facilities - so fuel up both your date and your car before proceeding onto your adventure. Great opportunity to use that picnic basket and impress! Or perhaps it is time to teach the kids how to cook? Also - could be cool/cold up on the mountain - bring warm clothes.

From their web site: "Remember this is a weather dependent program and all cancellation policies are still in place. If for some reason your plans change and you have to cancel, it is your responsibility to cancel both the NOP (Nightly Observing Program) reservation and your travel reservation in order to avoid any cancellation fees. Both the Day and night trips are based on a 6 hours pickup/drop off period.

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Drive Directions: I-10 to I-19 south, less than a mile to Ajo Way (Hwy 86) at Exit #99 Right. Continue past Ryan Airfield and three points, on until Junction 386 Kitt Pk turnoff. Left onto 386. 12 miles (up windy road) to the summit.

Jacob Tip: Ok, so if you want to know when the Moon is going to be up? Here is a cool website my Dad and I checked out - it also tells you when you can see satellites and meteors, and did you know there is satellite flashes you can see during the day? Go here and see for yourself: www.heavens-above.com

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