It is an exciting time for us with major new instruments coming to the research telescopes and multiple improvements being made to our Visitor Center. Come see what we are up to!

Kitt Peak Visitor Center

Welcome to Kitt Peak National Observatory, home to one of the largest arrays of optical and radio telescopes in the world. In addition to conducting ground-breaking astronomical research, the Visitor Center programs are open to the you through daytime guided tours and a variety of evening stargazing programs.

Kitt Peak Visitor Center offers guests a deeper understanding what Kitt Peak is all about with daytime tours. Both daily tours and VIP tours are available to bring you up-to-date on the latest news at the observatory. The tours go inside the domes housing some of our biggest telescopes used by astronomers every clear night for scientific research.

For those who want a deeper look into the beautiful nighttime skies above, you may choose from a number of evening programs. They range from beginner programs for those who have never experienced being under the rich dark skies above, to programs for those who wish to be involved in overnight programs and the world of astrophotography, and everything in between. The information below will give you all the details of every program that is offered.

The Visitor Center is open from 9:00 AM to 3:45 PM for daytime visitors and volunteer-led tours. The Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Sometimes it is closed due to unforeseen circumstances, such as environmental events, that are beyond control, so please check before ascending the mountain.

Daytime Programs

We offer you a variety of experiences such as guided tours and exhibits during daytime hours, along with spectacular views of surrounding mountains, desert valleys, and the flora and fauna of a unique sky island ecosystem.

We offer three docent-led tours on most days to three different large research telescopes, live views of the Sun (whenever weather and volunteer staffing permits), and an array of indoor and outdoor exhibits. Plus, the nearly 7,000-foot mountaintop is one of the prettiest spots in southern Arizona providing panoramic views stretching up to 100 miles. Please note that wheelchair accessibility is limited in most of our telescope facilities. Please see details by clicking on the More Info button below or the Planning Your Visit button.

Information on Daytime Programs

Nighttime Programs

View objects of the cosmos through Visitor Center telescopes! See planets, nebulae, galaxies, star nurseries, and more. Learn to identify constellations in the sky on the night of your visit.

We have four exciting programs for you. Our Nightly Observing Program, Dark Sky Discovery Program, Night of the Marvelous Moon, and the Overnight Telescope Observing Program are all available utilizing the Visitor Center’s high quality telescopes. The programs vary by topic, learning level, and audience size. A clear night on Kitt Peak is not to be missed or soon forgotten. The nation's observatory was built here for its dark, frequently clear skies and you can share in those views.

Information on Nighttime Programs

NIGHT OF THE MARVELOUS MOON
Participate in our new program on nights when the moon is brightest! For quick access go to Night of the Marvelous Moon for more information.

Planning Your Visit

Important things to know, including accessibility issues

Learn about accessibility limitations at the observatory. After you have learned about our Tours, Stargazing, Programs, and Exhibits; then please read this section with important information about how to plan your visit, find us, get the most from your time with us, and stay safe and comfortable.

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Tours, Stargazing, Programs, and Exhibits

What we have for you

Whether you wish to visit during the day to catch a guided tour, visit at night to learn the constellations and view through a telescope, or even reserve a telescope all to yourself, we have something for you. Daytime and evening programs, VIP Tours, programs for schools and youth groups, exhibits, and facilities are described here.

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Join & Support

Help us continue

Although many operations of the Observatory are funded by the US Government, the Kitt Peak Visitor Center and its programs are not. This creates an enormous challenge. We rely upon program fees, ticket sales, gift shop sales, and the special generosity of people who believe that sharing astronomy and making the Observatory accessible to the world is important. You can become a Kitt Peak Member, make a tax-deductible gift, or donate needed supplies or equipment.

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Volunteer

Become a docent

If you are service-minded and astronomy-interested, enjoy meeting people, and you would relish the opportunity to work at one of the most scenic spots in southern Arizona then consider joining our Docent Program.

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In the News

Read what others think of us

Find our social media site, travel reviews, news articles, and more.

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Feedback

Tell us about your experience

Have you visited us and have a suggestion to pass along? Did you participate in a special program, tour or evening program and would like to provide an evaluation? This is the spot.

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