An introduction to the dark night sky after watching the sunset from nearly 7,000 feet!

Duration

4.5 Hours

Prices displayed do not include fees

PLEASE NOTE: This program is not ADA accessible. Those needing such accommodations may book our Nighttime Observing Program

About

With 23 optical and two radio telescopes, Kitt Peak National Observatory is the largest, most diverse gathering of astronomical instruments in the Northern Hemisphere. We begin our tour with a stop at the Visitor Center, where we will examine the exhibits that describe this national observatory and other interesting topics. We enjoy a light meal and then have a guide-led introduction to astronomy and the night sky. Next, we learn how to identify stars and the constellations. Once we are outdoors, we will explore the night skies and view them with a variety of telescopes. Then we enter one of the domes to view through a telescope and observe the night sky in all its grandeur!

This program includes a smaller guest-to-staff ratio (typically no more than 12:1) and allows for more time looking through telescopes at objects in deep space.
For this reason, we typically run this program on nights that are not too close to the full moon.

Warm clothes, good closed-toe walking shoes, pants (not shorts), and a jacket are essential.

In inclement weather, we reserve the right to insert an alternate astronomy program presented by Kitt Peak.

The program includes a light meal; you may choose a turkey (regular), a Vegetarian, or a Gluten-free sandwich. If you have dietary restrictions, you can bring your meal. The kitchen cannot guarantee allergen-free or otherwise specially prepared meals. The program fee is the same in either case.

Our programs typically involve walking, standing, and climbing stairs. Working service animals are welcome..

Unfortunately, this program is not accessible for those with accessibility needs. In this instance, we recommend guests book our Nighttime Observing Program (NOP), which features an elevator to get to the observatory level.

NOTE for international guests: Arizona State Route 86 has a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint. If you are visiting from outside the U.S., please bring your passports to avoid any potential difficulties.

Important Notes

• A minimum of 4 guests is required for the program to run. If fewer than four guests book the tour, it will be canceled.
• The program is designed for adults and older children. It is not recommended for children under 8 years of age.
• We recommend booking at least 1 month in advance to ensure your best chance of getting the desired date. Reservations made after 1:30 pm on the day of the program will not receive a meal because the kitchen requires a final meal count by that time. The program fee remains the same.
• Discounts are available for seniors age 62 and older, groups of 8 persons or larger, active duty military with ID, and students with ID.
• This program is free to members of the Tohono O’odham Nation (TON Tribal IDs will be checked upon arrival).

A NOTE ON COLD TEMPERATURES
We cannot emphasize enough that it is cold on Kitt Peak!
Please check the weather for your planned visit and pack and wear warm clothing to the summit of Kitt Peak, as the temperature difference between Tucson and the surrounding areas is dramatic.
We recommend wearing sneakers or comfortable boots, jeans, and layers on top (a T-shirt, long sleeves, and a sweater). Please wear a coat, gloves, scarf, hat, and warm clothes! Even in the Summer, it is colder on Kitt Peak than in the surrounding areas. We fully expect it to feel like winter at the summit by the end of your tour, so please do not underestimate the chilly weather. No matter where you are traveling from, elevation makes everything feel colder! It is better to have too many layers rather than not enough.

Once the sun goes down and the wind kicks up, it is safe to say that any temperature prediction "feels" 20 degrees cooler. For example, if the weather calls for 40 degrees F, it will feel like 20, so please come prepared.

Please read through our FAQ for more information
https://kpno.noirlab.edu/plan-your-visit/

Kitt Peak is first and foremost a research facility. The Visitor Center adheres to strict lighting control procedures to avoid interfering with research during nighttime programs.

When you leave after any evening program, you will be guided by an observatory vehicle for 1-2 miles down the mountain road. After that, the staff will pull off to the side and allow you to continue the rest of the way down the mountain. Please let the person in your reservation party with the best night-time vision drive.

Guests may not leave the programs early except in cases of genuine emergency. By reserving any of our nighttime programs, you indicate your understanding of and willingness to abide by these procedures.

Weather Check and Confirmation at noon

Guests will receive an email at or before 12 PM noon on the day of the program to advise them of the weather forecasts and program status. Please be available. If weather might prevent observing, we will offer the Alternate Astronomy Program (AAP), which includes some of the activities of the Dark Sky Discovery Program, plus other engaging hands-on activities and possibly a tour of one of the research telescopes not typically open to the public. In unfavorable weather, guests can attend the AAP or reschedule for another date without charge. The programs will be canceled only if the staff deems conditions hazardous.

We do not offer refunds or rain checks for weather conditions other than expected or that change suddenly. We limit our telescope use or otherwise interfere with our nighttime programs. The weather call is based on information available during the call.

We look forward to exploring the Universe with you!