An introduction to the dark night sky after watching a glorious sunset from nearly 7,000 feet!

Duration

4.5 Hours

Prices displayed do not include fees

About

With 23 optical and two radio telescopes, Kitt Peak National Observatory is the largest, most diverse gathering of astronomical instruments in the Northern Hemisphere. We begin our tour with a stop at the Visitor Center, where we will examine the exhibits that describe this national observatory and other interesting topics. We enjoy a light meal and then have a docent-led introduction to astronomy and the night sky. Next, we learn how to identify stars and the constellations. Once we are outdoors, we will explore the night skies and view them with high-powered binoculars. Then we enter one of the domes to view through a telescope and observe the night skies in all its grandeur. Come along and discover your Universe. If you’ve never participated in one of the nighttime Kitt Peak programs before you are in for a very pleasant surprise.

The NOP is our most popular nighttime program and runs nightly year-round. Warm clothes, good closed-toe walking shoes, pants (not shorts) and a jacket are important.

In case of inclement weather, we reserve the right to insert an alternate astronomy program presented by Kitt Peak.

The program includes a light meal, and you may choose either a turkey (regular), or Vegetarian or Gluten-free sandwich. If you have dietary restrictions, you are welcome to bring your own meal. The kitchen cannot guarantee allergen-free, or otherwise specially prepared meals. The program fee is the same in either case.

The observatory typically used for the NOP is accessible to disabled persons by way of a slow-moving lift. IMPORTANT: ***NOTE: As of July 24, 2025, we are temporarily unable to offer the use of this lift. We will update as soon as we are able to offer use of the lift once more ***. Please contact us in advance if you will need use of this * For specific accessibility requests, please contact us by email before booking, at kpvc@noirlab.edu) Reaching the telescope eyepiece, though, may be difficult for guests restricted to wheelchairs. Our programs typically involve walking, standing, and climbing stairs. Working service animals are welcome.

NOTE for international guests: Arizona State Route 86 has a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint. If you are visiting from outside the U.S. please bring your passports with you to avoid any potential difficulties.

Important Notes

• A minimum of 4 guests is required in order for the program to run. If fewer than 4 guests book the tour, it will be canceled.
• The program is designed for adults and older children. It is not recommended for children under 8 years of age.
• We recommend booking at least 1 month in advance to ensure your best chance of getting the date you want. Reservations made after 1:30 pm on the day of the program will not receive a meal because the kitchen requires a final meal count by that time. The program fee remains the same.
• Discounts are available for seniors age 62 and older, groups of 8 persons or larger, active duty military with ID, and students with ID.
• This program is free to members of the Tohono O’odham nation (TON Tribal IDs will be checked at the arrival).

A NOTE ON COLD TEMPERATURES We cannot emphasize enough that it is cold on Kitt Peak! Please check the weather for your planned visit and pack and wear warm clothing to the summit of Kitt Peak, as the temperature difference between Tucson and the surrounding areas is dramatic. We recommend wearing sneakers or comfortable boots, jeans, and layers on top (a T-shirt, long sleeves, and a sweater). Please wear a coat, gloves, scarf, hat and warm clothes! Even in the Summer, it is colder on Kitt Peak than in the surrounding areas. We fully expect it to feel like winter at the summit by the end of your tour, so please do not underestimate the chilly weather. No matter where you are traveling from, elevation makes everything feel colder! It is better to have too many layers rather than not enough.

Once the sun goes down and the wind kicks up, it is safe to say that any temperature prediction "feels" 20 degrees cooler. For example, if the weather calls for 40 degrees F, it will feel like 20, so please come prepared.

Please read through our FAQ for more information https://kpno.noirlab.edu/plan-your-visit/

Kitt Peak is first and foremost a research facility. To avoid interfering with research during nighttime programs, the Visitor Center adheres to strict lighting control procedures.

At the end of your program, you will be directed by Visitor Center staff to depart in a convoy-style line of guest vehicles. Please let the person at your party with the best night-time vision drive.

Guests may not leave the programs early except in cases of genuine emergency. By reserving any of our nighttime programs, you indicate your understanding of and willingness to abide by these procedures.

Weather Check and Confirmation at Noon

Guests will receive an email on the day of the program to advise them of the weather forecasts and program status. Please be available. If weather might prevent observing, we will offer the Alternate Astronomy Program (AAP), which includes some of the activities of the NOP plus other engaging hands-on activities and possibly a tour of one of the research telescopes not typically open to the public. In the event of unfavorable weather, guests can attend the AAP or reschedule for another date without charge. The programs will be canceled only if the staff deems conditions hazardous.

We do not offer refunds or rain checks for weather conditions other than expected or that change suddenly. The weather call is based on information available at the time of the call.

We look forward to exploring the Universe with you!