Overnight Stargazing at Kitt Peak National Observatory
Spend the night observing from a Kitt Peak telescope with lodging and meals
Duration
16 hrs
Ideal For
Up to 4 people
Includes
Lodging, 3 meals, telescope
Highlights
Spend the night at Kitt Peak National Observatory as a visiting astronomer, with a telescope operator and dorm accommodations. Observe and image deep-sky objects, then rest before your morning departure.
- Observe and image deep-sky objects through a Visitor Center telescope
- Create an observing list or follow your telescope operator's suggestions
- Settle into dorm accommodations after arrival
- Share the telescope and guide with at most one other party
- Rest between observing sessions before driving down in the morning
What's Included
- Visitor Center telescope access
- Telescope operator
- Dorm accommodations
- Dinner, late-night meal, and breakfast
Important details
- Arrive and check in before sunset; allow about 70 minutes to drive from downtown Tucson
- Bring your own transportation and enough fuel for the return; there are no nearby gas stations
- Bring a passport if visiting from outside the U.S.; Route 86 has a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint
- Bring warm layers and wear closed-toe shoes inside summit facilities
- Requires walking about 400 ft to the sunset viewing location, including about 200 ft uphill, plus returning on the same path and managing about 20 stairs
- Expect conditions at about 7,000 ft elevation, which may aggravate cardiovascular or respiratory conditions
- Keep cell phones in airplane mode and follow dark-sky lighting and group-departure procedures after sunset; early departures are not allowed
- Be available for a weather-status call before noon on the day of the program; clouds may alter the program
- A liability waiver and summit-safety acknowledgment are required
- The listed price excludes fees, including a required credit-card processing fee; fee amounts are not stated
- Do not smoke, vape, carry firearms, or possess or consume alcohol on the mountain
- Supplemental oxygen requires an oxygen generator rated for at least 7,000 ft
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation requires 48 hours' notice.
Product ID: ABMAHJ
FAQs
Expect a status call on the day of your program (around 10:00 a.m. or before noon) with an update on weather and whether the program will proceed, switch to an alternate program due to clouds, or be canceled for hazardous conditions. If observing conditions are unfavorable, you can choose the alternate program or reschedule without charge. You won’t receive refunds or discounts for clouds or other inclement weather that limits telescope use during the program.
Dress in warm layers. Plan to spend much of the evening outside or in an unheated observatory, and expect temperatures to be cooler than Tucson with wind chill. Bring items like a warm coat, hat, gloves, warm socks, and insulated layers; a blanket can also help in cooler months.
No. After dark, you must follow strict light-control procedures, including vehicle caravan rules and restrictions on light-emitting devices. Everyone departs together as a single group at the end of the program.
Meeting details
Kitt Peak Visitor Center
