Plan your visit to Kitt Peak National Observatory, a premier destination for anyone fascinated by the cosmos! Open seven days a week, Kitt Peak invites you to explore the wonders of the universe both during the day and under the breathtaking night sky. Book your guided daytime and nighttime tickets today and embark on an unforgettable astronomical adventure at kpno.noirlab.edu!
Established in 1958, Kitt Peak National Observatory stands as a beacon of astronomical discovery, hosting one of the world’s most extensive collections of optical and radio telescopes. Nestled in the Quinlan Mountains of Arizona, this observatory is not just a research powerhouse but also a welcoming visitor center for the public.
Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) is a crucial program of NOIRLab, playing a significant role in advancing our understanding of the universe. KPNO proudly operates the Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter Telescope, a key instrument for the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) survey, a groundbreaking project led by the US Department of Energy Office of Science. Furthermore, KPNO is home to the WIYN 3.5-meter Telescope, a collaborative effort involving Indiana University, the University of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania State University, and other esteemed institutions.
Beyond these flagship telescopes, Kitt Peak also supports a diverse array of research facilities operated by various consortia. In total, more than a dozen optical telescopes and two radio telescopes are situated at this remarkable location, making it a hub for astronomical research and innovation.
Located 90 km (56 miles) southwest of Tucson, Arizona, Kitt Peak offers an exceptional vantage point at an altitude of 2100 m (7000 ft). Perched within the Schuk Toak District on the land of the Tohono O’odham Nation, the observatory provides stunning views and exceptionally dark skies, ideal for astronomical observation. The visitor center welcomes guests daily and nightly, offering guided daytime tours that delve into the science and technology behind the telescopes, and captivating evening stargazing programs that bring the cosmos closer to everyone.
Kitt Peak National Observatory deeply respects and acknowledges its location on I’oligam Du’ag (Manzanita Bush Mountain), the ancestral homeland of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Astronomers working at Kitt Peak are grateful for the privilege to conduct scientific research on this sacred land and honor the past, present, and future generations of the Tohono O’odham people who have called this place home since time immemorial.
KPNO’s operations are made possible through its affiliation with NOIRLab, a Program of NSF, and managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation.
For detailed travel directions to plan your visit, please refer to the information available here. To delve deeper into the wonders of Kitt Peak and learn more about its programs and research, explore the official Kitt Peak website at kpno.noirlab.edu.
