Kitt Peak Solar & Telescope Guided Tour
Explore two landmark telescopes and the science behind solar research and dark matter
Duration
90 mins
Includes
Guided tours, science center
Highlights
Explore Kitt Peak’s working observatories on a docent-led daytime visit to the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope and 2.1-meter telescope. Discover the research histories behind solar science and dark matter.
- Explore two landmark telescopes with a docent guide
- Discover the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope’s solar research legacy
- Learn about Vera C. Rubin’s pioneering dark-matter research
- Visit the Taṣogida Ki: Center for Astronomy Outreach after the guided portion
What's Included
- Guided telescope tours
- Taṣogida Ki: Center for Astronomy Outreach admission
Important details
- Check in at least 15 minutes before the tour starts
- Requires extensive walking, including 1/4 mile uphill and nearly two flights of stairs; half the facilities are not wheelchair-accessible
- Closed-toe shoes are required inside summit facilities
- Strollers and carry-on infants are not permitted
- Sign safety and liability waivers before participating
- Visitors using supplemental oxygen require an oxygen generator rated for at least 7,000 feet
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your passport for the Border Patrol checkpoint on Arizona State Route 86
- Arrange your own transportation to the observatory
- Set cell phones to airplane mode; transmitting wireless devices are prohibited at the summit
- Smoking, vaping, alcohol, firearms, drones, camping, and pets are prohibited; working service animals are welcome
- A credit-card processing fee applies and is not included in the listed price
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 48 hours before start for a refund. If staff cancel due to hazardous conditions, choose a refund or reschedule. No refunds for weather that limits tour infrastructure.
Product ID: JB97J2
FAQs
Expect extensive walking and stairs at nearly 7,000 feet (2,096 meters). You’ll walk between facilities, and the 2.1-meter telescope portion includes nearly two flights of stairs plus about 1/4 mile of uphill walking.
Plan for limited accessibility: about half of the facilities visited are not wheelchair-accessible. Special accommodations are severely limited.
Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes. Temperatures can be 10–15 °C (15–25 °F) cooler than Tucson with added wind chill; hats, gloves, warm socks, and insulated jackets are strongly advised from late fall through mid-spring.
Meeting details
Kitt Peak Visitor Center
