Posted in Arizona June 13, 2020 by

Arizona’s Kitt Peak National Observatory Has The Largest Collection Of Telescopes In The World

Arizona is not only home to some of the darkest skies in the nation, but the largest collection of optical telescopes on earth, as well. You’ll find them at Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, an incredible, bucket list-worthy place.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Located atop the Quinlan Mountains on the Tohono O'odham Nation, Kitt Peak National Observatory boasts the largest collection of optical telescopes on Earth.
Wikimedia Commons/Joe Parks
There are a whopping 24, all of varying size and magnitude, plus two radio telescopes.
Among Kitt Peak's claims to fame are the very first telescope used to search for near-Earth asteroids, in addition to calculating the probability of an impact with our home planet.
Wikimedia Commons/Murray Foubister
It's not hard to believe that so much intelligence has come out of this amazing place.
Pictured here is the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope, or the largest solar telescope in the world.
TripAdvisor/Usha S.
You can marvel at it firsthand on a guided tour, which takes place at 10 a.m. each day.
Guests can also visit the 2.1 and 4-meter telescopes, accompanied by a docent.
TripAdvisor/Milwaukee Craig
The tours are held at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., respectively.
Inside the Visitor Center, you'll find an array of fascinating exhibits, a gift shop, solar telescopes, and so much more.
TripAdvisor/Carol210
Take a look around, gain some insightful knowledge, and join informative daytime tours and nighttime stargazing programs.
Some truly incredible discoveries have been made at Kitt Peak, including methane ice on Pluto, the Kuiper Belt body known as 2000 Varuna, and many thousands of asteroids.
TripAdvisor/Annaline
The observatory has also contributed to the study of dark matter, cosmic distances, high-redshift galaxies, and the Boötes void, among other research topics.
We'd be remiss not to mention the striking panoramic mountaintop views sure to leave you awestruck.
TripAdvisor/Beaner1138
Participate in one of the three nighttime events to get up-close-and-personal with the spectacular evening sky.

The observatory is currently closed to visitors, but keep checking the website and Facebook page for updates.

Have you ever visited Kitt Peak National Observatory? If so, let us know all about your experience! Check out our previous article to learn about one of the best stargazing spots in the state: This Remote Little Town In Arizona Is One Of The Darkest Places In The Nation.

Address: Tucson, AZ 85634, USA