Kitt Peak Sunset Night Sky Binocular Tour
Find constellations with guided binocular viewing after sunset at nearly 7,000 feet
Duration
4.5 hrs
Includes
Sunset viewing, binoculars, snack
Highlights
Explore the dark sky from Kitt Peak after sunset, with guided instruction in constellation finding and wide-field binocular observing. Learn about the observatory’s research setting before heading outdoors for night-sky views.
- Watch the sunset from nearly 7,000 feet
- Explore Visitor Center exhibits about the national observatory
- Learn to identify stars and constellations with a docent
- Observe wide fields of the night sky through high-powered binoculars
- Discover how strict lighting controls support active research
What's Included
- Guided astronomy instruction
- High-powered binoculars
- Visitor Center exhibits
Important details
- Designed for adults and older children; children under 8 are not recommended
- Arrive by the ticketed time, before sunset; personal transportation is required
- Requires walking about 400 feet on an asphalt path, including about 200 feet uphill, plus a flight of about 20 stairs
- Wear closed-toe shoes inside summit facilities and bring warm layers for outdoor and unheated-observatory time
- Bring a passport or green card if you are not a U.S. citizen due to the Route 86 border checkpoint
- Keep phones in airplane mode or turned off after sunset and follow lighting-control procedures
- Remain with the group until the end except in a genuine emergency; depart in the staff-directed vehicle convoy
- A safety waiver is required before participation
- Supplemental oxygen requires a generator rated for at least 7,000 feet
- A credit-card processing fee applies and is not included in the listed price
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 48 hours before the program for a refund. If staff cancel due to hazardous conditions or fewer than eight guests are registered, choose a refund or reschedule. No refunds for changing weather that limits observing.
Product ID: BA242W
FAQs
Most nighttime programs continue in cloudy weather with indoor presentations, hands-on activities, and behind-the-scenes telescope tours. If weather may prevent observing, attend an alternate astronomy program or reschedule for another date at no charge.
The summit is around 7,000 feet. Astro 101 requires walking about 400 feet on an asphalt path, including about 200 feet uphill, plus returning on the same route and walking a flight of about 20 stairs. Supplemental oxygen requires a generator rated for at least 7,000 feet.
Wear closed-toe walking shoes and warm layers. You will spend much of the evening outdoors or in an unheated observatory, where temperatures and wind chill can be much cooler than Tucson. Arrive well hydrated and bring water.
Meeting details
Kitt Peak Visitor Center
