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National Optical Astronomy Observatory
Kitt Peak National Observatory
520-318-8230  

One Family Membership to Kitt Peak National Observatory

Free unlimited admission to mountaintop telescope tours & complimentary guest passes

•     Annual subscription to visitor center newsletter by e-mail or US mail
•     Members only star party events
•     Membership discount on classes and special programs
•     10% discount in the Visitor Center gift shop (excluding Tohono O’odham crafts)
•     Free general admission to over 275 science centers participating in the Association of Science-Technology Centers Passport Program
•     Membership packet with special Kitt Peak members car logo sticker
•     15% discount on the Nightly Observing Program (NOP)

Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO)

Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) has its headquarters in Tucson and operates the Mayall 4-meter, the 3.5-meter WIYN , the 2.1-meter and Coudé Feed, and the 0.9-meter telescopes on Kitt Peak Mountain, about 55 miles southwest of the city.

About NOAO- The National Optical Astronomy Observatory

NOAO is the US national research & development center for ground-based night time astronomy. In particular, NOAO is enabling the development of the US optical-infrared (O/IR) System, an alliance of public and private observatories allied for excellence in scientific research, education and public outreach.

Our core mission is to provide public access to qualified professional researchers via peer-review to forefront scientific capabilities on telescopes operated by NOAO as well as other telescopes throughout the O/IR System. Today, these telescopes range in aperture size from 2-m to 10-m. NOAO is participating in the development of telescopes with aperture sizes of 20-m and larger as well as a unique 8-m telescope that will make a 10-year movie of the Southern sky.

In support of this mission, NOAO is engaged in programs to develop the next generation of telescopes, instruments, and software tools necessary to enable exploration and investigation through the observable Universe, from planets orbiting other stars to the most distant galaxies in the Universe.

To communicate the excitement of such world-class scientific research and technology development, NOAO has developed a nationally recognized Education and Public Outreach program. The main goals of the NOAO EPO program are to inspire young people to become explorers in science and research-based technology, and to reach out to groups and individuals who have been historically under-represented in the physics and astronomy science enterprise.

The National Optical Astronomy Observatory is proud to be a US National Node in the International Year of Astronomy, 2009.

NOAO is managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy under a Cooperative Agreement with the National Science Foundation.
    
Directions: Kitt Peak is 56 miles southwest of Tucson via State Route 86 on the Tohono O'Odham Reservation. Allow 90 minutes of drive time from Tucson. Take I-10 to I-19 South. Less than 1 mile is Ajo Way/Hwy 86 (Exit 99). Take this exit West (right). Proceed past Ryan Airfield and Three Points. Continue until Junction 386 (Kitt Peak turnoff). Turn left onto 386. The Kitt Peak Visitor Center is located at the summit (12 miles).

Planning your visit to Kitt Peak National Observatory
Hours of Operation

Kitt Peak is open daily from 9am to 4pm. The visitor center closes at 4 p.m. Grounds close promptly at 4.

The Kitt Peak Visitor Center is CLOSED: New Years Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day only.
Mountain Information

Kitt Peak is at an elevation of 6,875 feet above sea level. Mountain temps vary considerably from the desert floor by 15 to 20 degrees and it is often windy, so please dress warmly. For your comfort, the visitor center is heated and cooled during the summer.

Those visiting at night for the Nightly Observing Program please be advised that the conditions especially in the winter require you to wear hats and gloves. Please feel free to bring a blanket as most of the program occurs outdoors in a non-heated observatory.
The Drive up

The drive up the mountain is all on paved roads at a constant grade with guardrails in most places. The 12 mile drive takes you through some of the nicest scenery the Sonoran desert has to offer. There are plenty of pullouts to take photos if you so wish. Please follow the speed limit and watch for road hazards such as rocks or wildlife. The road is maintained by the State of Arizona and is on tribal lands. Any other activities outside of driving and taking photos must be approved by the Tribal Administration Office in Sells and may require a permit 520-383-2028.

Allow 90-minutes of driving time from downtown Tucson.
Picnic Area

The picnic area is open from 10am to 4Pm and is located about 1 mile from the summit. The area needs to be reserved for large groups by calling 520-318-8600. Facilities include a ramada, restrooms, picnic tables and water. There are also picnic tables found on the summit for the general public to use. No open fires of any kind are allowed. The area is closed from time to time for maintenance and high fire danger. When planning your visit always call ahead to see if the facility is open. There are no cooking facilities found at the picnic area
Parking

There is ample parking for cars and RV’s and busses.
Guided Tours

The Kitt Peak Visitor Center offers three guided tours each day. Each tour lasts approximately one hour. The tours begin in the Visitor Center.

A self-guided walking tour map is available in the Visitor Center.
Services

There are no services found on Kitt Peak. The closest gas can be obtained at the Coyote Store 16 miles from the summit on state route 86. A pay phone, public restroom, and number of water fountains are located on the summit.
Food & Refreshment

Snacks and beverages may be purchased at the Visitor Center. There are no food services found on the mountain. Feel free to pack a lunch since there are plenty of picnic tables on the summit and a picnic grounds 2 miles away.
Shopping

The visitor center gift shop houses a wide selection of Tohono O’Odham baskets and crafts at excellent prices. We also have a large assortment of Astronomical items, books, images and souvenirs.
Pets

Dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed. Please pick up after your pet. Only service animals are permitted in the buildings.
Health Warning

Persons with cardiac, respiratory, or other altitude related concerns should take proper precautions. A First Aid station is available at the Visitor Center.
Accessibility

The visitor center staff will do its best to provide reasonable accessibility to all requesting it. However, many of the telescopes are not accessible by wheel chair. Those wishing to drive to the different telescopes may do so by requesting a special permit which can be provided by visitor center staff. An accessible restroom can be found in the visitor center. The visitor center has two wheel chairs for public use.
Cell Phones

The use of cell phones on the mountain top is prohibited. Cell phones interfere with the two radio telescopes found on Kitt Peak
Fire Danger

Due to the continuing drought in Arizona, all smoking on the mountain has been banned. You are allowed to smoke in your vehicles. Please extinguish your smoking material in your ashtray.
Firearms

Firearms are not allowed on federal facilities nor are they allowed on Tribal Lands.

Item Special Note

Non-transferable, not valid with any other offer. Auction winner must redeem coupon to activate membeship