Schedule an evening or nighttime visit to Kitt Peak National Observatory. While 1-hour daytime tours are offered at the facility, telescope observation is not available. Plan a visit during the Nighttime Observing Program for impressive stargazing opportunities through strong lenses. A tour guide (and telescope operator) will educate your party about stars, Kitt Peak and the research work that is being conducted by NOAO. Visitors are able to stargaze through a 16-inch lens, hear an insightful presentation and enjoy a sack dinner. For those interested in visiting Kitt Peak during the day, schedule a guided tour (offered at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily) by calling (520) 318-8732 or purchasing a ticket upon arrival at Kitt Peak. While you can enjoy a self-guided tour, visitors will benefit the most from their Kitt Peak experience by learning about astronomy from educated professionals.
Make a Nighttime Observing Program reservation. Due to the popularity of this program, reservations are required, and tours can fill up quickly (sometimes 1 month in advance). The price for adult tickets is $46 and $41 for students, military servicepeople and seniors (with proper identification). Note that the Nighttime Observing Program is not offered by Kitt Peak from mid-July through August because of weather interference. Call (520) 318-8726 during regular business hours to make a reservation. Experienced and beginning astronomers can also preregister for the Advanced Observing Program and enjoy full access to Kitt Peak's range of telescopes (and even take home images of stars, constellations and the night sky).
Get to Kitt Peak. The 90-minute drive is easy to make and offers dramatic desert scenery. Fill up the gas tank before you go, as gas stations are limited along the drive and nonexistent on Kitt Peak. From Tucson, take I-10 south to I-19 south. Take Exit #99--Ajo Way/Highway 86. Go west and proceed to Junction 386. Turn left and follow signs to Kitt Peak. The distance from the base of the mountain to the summit is 12 miles. Bring a camera, as there are many pull-outs to enjoy a southern Arizona sunset and the beautiful desert landscape.
Enjoy star-watching and exploring the universe. Through different telescopes, stargazers can marvel at the night sky with dramatic, up-close images of star systems, planets and galaxies.
Go camping. Spending the night outside after a Kitt Peak National Observatory visit will give you the opportunity to apply your astronomy knowledge and appreciate the beauty of the nighttime sky. The closest campground to Kitt Peak is located 50 miles east; However, campgrounds abound in southern Arizona. See the Resources section for additional camping-location ideas.
