It’s historical enough when a person turns 50 (a half-century old!). It’s even more special when an entire observatory turns 50, especially when it contains the world’s largest collection of optical telescopes. And when it’s in one of the world’s greatest places for stargazing, the sky is the limit.
That would be on the Kitt Observatory, on the land of Tohono O’odham Nation in the Sonoran Desert. It’s 56 miles southwest of Tucson, although one of the telescopes - the Mayall 4-m Telescope - is visible from the city on clear days. During regular tours, you can view the skies through the McMath-Pierce, the world’s largest solar telescope.
Out here, away from the city lights and under skies that are clear all but about 15 days per year, the stars rule. Which means that during Nightly Observing Programs, you can view distant stars, planets and galaxies through some of the world’s most advanced equipment. Far out into space, far back in time…now that’s history!
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Things to know:
Region: Arizona Old West
Related activities: The Kitt Peak National Observatory 50th anniversary begins in March 2009, and continues throughout the year. It includes open houses, special speakers and more, both on the peak and in Tucson.
Dates and Prices: Kitt Peak is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except for New Years Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. The visitor center closes at 3:45. Guided tours are held daily at 10 a.m. 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Adults are $4, children 6 - 12 are $2.50. All Day Tour Passes are available for $7 per adult and $4.50 per child.
Related Onsite Offerings: A picnic area offers four viewing pads if you choose to bring your own telescope. The area is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Photos courtesy of National Optical Astronomy Observatory.
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