Advanced Observing Program at Kitt Peak Visitor Center
(Overnight Program)

The Advanced Observing Program is a public program in which participants use the high-tech resources of the Kitt Peak Visitor Center Observatories to explore the Universe. Don’t miss our images!

New CCD Images!
Quick Rate Info
  • CCD Imaging: $650/night, up to 2 people
  • Visual and Webcam DLSR: $550/night, up to 2 people
  • $90/night/person, room and board, single occupancy (includes 3 meals)
  • $75/night/person, double occupancy

Remote Observing

We are now pleased to offer another way to experience the thrill of discovery from the Kitt Peak Visitor Center. Use our scope, but stay home!
Through remote imaging, users can download astronomical images in real time as they are retrieved from the camera. The camera and telescope are operated by a guide on site at the Kitt Peak Visitor Center under your direction. You can download and process the images yourself, or your guide can do the processing for you. All images can be downloaded via the Internet, or you can receive a CD-ROM with all of your images, or both.

There are many advantages to this mode of observing:

  1. A straight fee of $525. No room and board expenses to worry about!
  2. No travel expenses.
  3. Can cater to groups of any size (friends, families, classrooms, etc)!

Many research telescopes on Kitt Peak operate in this way, and now the Visitor Center does too! We hope this option will offer easier access to our program for individuals, school groups, and international guests who would have trouble travelling to Kitt Peak. Apart from the above, all other aspects of the Advanced Observing Program remain essentially unchanged during remote observing. If you are interested, have questions, or want to make a reservation, contact staff at (520-318-8728 or on-line Reservation Request Form). Be certain to leave an evening phone number in your message!