Tour to Kitt Peak National Observatory Tucson: Learning the History of Optical Astronomy

If you are interested in space adventures and astronomy, and is on a visit to Tucson, the Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) would be the ideal destination for you. Set up in 1958, the observatory is located on the Kitt Peak that is located at a height of 6,800 feet on Quinlan Mountain, and is 55 miles from the city towards the south western part. It is a 90 minutes drive from the city center.

The observatories have a collection of 26 optical telescopes and a wide range of astronomical instruments. The Tucson KPNO offers several educational programs for the tourists to learn the history of astronomy. There are daytime tours that are available thrice daily. The night programs are really amazing. These programs begin just before sunset. There are professional guides and student researchers who explain the star graphs to the tourists and hands over the binoculars.

You can view the various constellations and galaxies all through the evening. But you need to make a galaxy before hand. If you are a complete space enthusiast, you can go for an advanced observation program. This program allows you to enjoy a night-long experience watching the galaxy and the solar system with the help of advanced telescope and state-of-the-art instruments.

The observatory is opened everyday, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. The rate depends on the number of hours you wish to spend in the place. It is best to avoid the full moon time, because it affects night viewing. You should select a darker night for viewing. The place can be cool in the night, so you should carry an overcoat or a light woolen wear.