Public Nights on the WIYN 0.9m (36") Telescope

Exterior shot of the WIYN 0.9-m telelscope building at sunset

For the first time in history the Public Outreach Department in conjunction with the WIYN consortium is offering stargazing nights on the 0.9m research telescope.

There are a limited number of seats per night and reservations will be on a first come first serve basis. This program will sell out FAST so call 520-318-8726 if you want to reserve your spot for a night of spectacular stargazing. Due to the number of parking spots on the mountain we cannot allow personal vehicles to drive up for this program.

The per person cost for this rare night of stargazing will be $120 and includes:

Interior shot of the WIYN 0.9-m telelscope

Most of the images from the Kitt Peak poster series were taken with the 0.9m telescope.

The 0.9m telescope is one of the first research telescopes on Kitt Peak. It was built back in 1962 and is used primarily for research. The telescope is often used with the Mosaic camera, which gives it a one degree field of view.

The program will be different from the Nightly Observing Program (NOP) and will start with dinner at 5:30 then a tour of the 0.9m facility a short lecture and in depth history of the telescope and Kitt Peak. Public Program Specialists will also give an overview of what’s in the night sky then off to observatory to look at various objects through the 0.9m eyepiece.

The WIYN 0.9m telescope is not handicapped accessible. Guests should be able to walk up two flights of stairs without any assistance.

To reserve your spot call the visitor center at 520-318-8726. They will take all your necessary information. This is a rare event so there are no discounts. Cancellations not made at least 24 hours prior to the date will forfeit the deposit of $50 per person.

Availability

Please click on the following links for more information regarding other public stargazing programs that Kitt Peak offers like the Nightly Observing Program or the Advanced Observing Program.