The Kitt Peak Experience… Like no other

Youth Group Overnight

Your youth group is invited to spend an unforgettable night on Kitt Peak, YOUR National Observatory! You will experience star gazing like few places on Earth and become acquainted with the night sky, star charts, binoculars, and of course the telescope. You will enjoy amazing views of deep-sky wonders similar to those seen in the Nightly Observing Program. Educational activities appropriate to your group’s age and interests can be arranged in advance with your personal astronomy guide for the evening.

A box meal may be included (depending on the fee level you choose) which includes a choice of turkey or vegetarian sandwich.

At the conclusion of the Night Observing Program, your youth group may wish to observe late into the wee hours of the morning, or even take part in an astrophotography session! (This is available at Level 3. Images acquired during your session will be processed and sent to you later on a CD ROM for each member of the group.)

When it’s time to turn in, the group will camp in the Visitor Center. Bring sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, and pajamas. Departure time is at 8:00 AM the following morning, before the Visitor Center opens for the new day.

Please try to book your reservation at least 2 months in advance to better your chances of reserving the desired date. The program can accommodate a maximum of 25 people, including chaperones. At least two adults are required to accompany the group throughout the night. This program is not offered from July 15th through August 31st because of Monsoon Season.

Contact:

Robert Martino
(520) 318-8736
martino@noao.edu

Cost:

LEVEL 1

$400—Basic telescope fee
$31 per person additional charge.

For this you get:

LEVEL 2

$450—Basic telescope fee
$38 per person additional charge.

For this you get:

LEVEL 3

$550—Basic telescope fee
$43 per person additional charge.

For this you get:

SCOUTING SPECIAL

$375—Basic telescope fee
$30 per person additional charge.

For this you get:

A credit card is required to hold your reservation for this program. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted.

Full payment will be made on the night of the program. Purchase orders are welcome but must be received in advance. Checks should be made payable to AURA. No-shows or cancellations less than 14 days prior to the program date will result in a deposit being charged to the credit card on file. This deposit will be 50% of the total program cost.

The Visitor Center must be notified of changes in the total number of participants no less than two days prior to the program date. Arriving with fewer than the scheduled number of participants will result in a deposit of $20 per missing person being charged.

The program is weather-dependent. We reserve the right to cancel the program at the last minute if conditions on the Mountain are too hazardous for the general public. Please be sure to make alternate overnight arrangements for your group just in case. In the event of a cancellation because of hazardous conditions, no deposit will be charged. Should the weather be cloudy but not hazardous, the program will go on with other activities substituted for the observing portions of the evening, until such time as the skies may clear. Once made, payment is non-refundable.