Toggle navigation HOME Planning Your Visit With Us Tours, Stargazing, Programs, and Exhibits o Tours, Stargazing, Programs, and Exhibits o Visitor Center & Gift Shop o Daytime Activities o Nighttime Activities o V.I.P. Tours/Events o Special Events, Private Groups & Schools o Visitor Telescopes & Facilities o Exhibits (Indoor & Outdoor) o See For Yourself o Astrophotography Workshops Online Reservations o Nightly Observing Program o Dark Sky Discovery Program o OverNight Telescope Observing Program o Image Queue Request Program o Daytime VIP Tour o Monthly VIP Tour o School & Private Group Day Tour o Binocular Stargazing o Meteor Mania! o Full Moon Madness o Space Weather o Celebration of Saturn o Mars Opposition o Introduction to Astrophotography o Advanced Astrophotography Join & Support o Join & Support o Membership o Donations o In-kind Contributions o Telescope Fund Volunteer In The News o In the News o News Articles o Travel Reviews o Social Media Links Feedback 1. Home Kitt Peak Visitor Center Established in 1964, the Kitt Peak Visitor Center has been home to a variety of programs and activities as well as a museum and a gift shop. 1. 2. 3. 4. Previous Next 1. 2. 3. 4. Previous Next 1. 2. 3. 4. Previous Next Welcome to Kitt Peak National Observatory! Home of the largest array of optical and radio telescopes in the world In addition to conducting ground breaking astronomical research, we are open to you through our Visitor Center programs. Learn all the ways to become involved. Have you considered our Binocular Stargazing Program? The season begins again in October. Go to the Special Events area for more information. We are hiring! Opportunities for Public Program Specialists: go to Join & Support to learn more. Planning Your Visit Important things to do or know 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. More Info Tours, Stargazing, Programs, and Exhibits What we have for you Whether you wish to visit during the day to catch a guided tour, learn the constellations and view through a telescope at night, or even reserve a telescope all to yourself, we have something for you. Daytime and evening programs, some very special events, programs for schools and youth groups, tours for organized groups, exhibits, and facilities are described here. This section also provides registration information. More Info 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. More Info 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. More Info In the News Read what others think of us Find our social media site, travel reviews, news articles, and more. More Info 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. More Info See what others say about Kitt Peak National Observatory on TripAdvisor. Kitt Peak National Observatory is operated by the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO). NOAO is the national center for ground-based nighttime astronomy in the United States and is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) under cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. If you would like information about solar astronomy, visit the National Solar Observatory. If you would like information about radio astronomy, visit the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.