45mi/73km southwest of Tucson, on Kitt Peak, high in the mountains of the Sonora Desert, is the Kitt Peak National Observatory, one of the most important astronomical stations in the world, with 22 optical telescopes and two radio telescopes, including a giant solar telescope, and a museum.
The public can visit the Kitt Peak National Observatory on a guided tour which runs several times a day during daylight hours. Nightly Observing Programs offer a chance to stargaze. These nightly programs are open to small groups and allow visitors a hands on experience to see planets and galaxies.
Address:
Kitt Peak National Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719-4933, United States
Phone: 1 (520) 318-8000, Fax: 1 (520) 318-8360
Hours:
9am-4pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Tours are given at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. and last about one hour.
Guides: Guided tour included with admission.