Tucson's night sky has been touted some of the clearest skies in the United States. Those who visit truly enjoy our night skies, stars, and stellar activity from outside cafes, and patios. Many newcomers purchase telescopes and become part of out "stellar" community. Visit some of the observatories listed below to learn from the pros why Tucson is the astronomy capital of the World.
Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium
621-4515
University Blvd. and Cherry Ave. -- University of Arizona Campus
Museum: $3/adults, $2/children
Monday-Sunday 9 am to 5 pm
Evenings Thursday-Saturday 7 to 9 pm
Numerous exhibits, from hands-on science demonstrations to a major national mineral display. "Collinding Asteroids" features authentic global meteorite collection. Sky shows for all ages, including seasonal specials and features in Planetarium. Call for show and times.
621-4515
University Blvd. and Cherry Ave. -- University of Arizona Campus
Museum: $3/adults, $2/children
Monday-Sunday 9 am to 5 pm
Evenings Thursday-Saturday 7 to 9 pm
Numerous exhibits, from hands-on science demonstrations to a major national mineral display. "Collinding Asteroids" features authentic global meteorite collection. Sky shows for all ages, including seasonal specials and features in Planetarium. Call for show and times.
Mt. Graham International Observatory & Discovery Park's Gov Aker
Observatory
928-428-6260
Safford, AZ
Tour $40 per person and includes lunch. Allow a full day. Sat 10 am to 4:30 pm
One of the country's newest observatory complexes, Mt Graham is home to several renowned telescopes, including the world's largest binocular telescope. Tour includes narrated shuttle ride up scenic mountain, lunch near summit, and guided tour of current observatories. Upon return, visitors can spend the evening touring Discovery Park. This includes a docent-lead tour of the Gov Aker Observatory, a multimedia presentation and stargazing through the 20-inch telescope.
Observatory
928-428-6260
Safford, AZ
Tour $40 per person and includes lunch. Allow a full day. Sat 10 am to 4:30 pm
One of the country's newest observatory complexes, Mt Graham is home to several renowned telescopes, including the world's largest binocular telescope. Tour includes narrated shuttle ride up scenic mountain, lunch near summit, and guided tour of current observatories. Upon return, visitors can spend the evening touring Discovery Park. This includes a docent-lead tour of the Gov Aker Observatory, a multimedia presentation and stargazing through the 20-inch telescope.
Kitt Peak National Observatory
318-8726
Off AZ highway 86 south on Kitt Peak Road. Free.
9 am to 4 pm
Tour one of the world's leading observatory complexes. See the world's greatest concentration of telescopes for stellar, solar, and planetary research. Exhibits on astronomy and facility's history at visitors center. Self-guided tour available. No food facilities.
318-8726
Off AZ highway 86 south on Kitt Peak Road. Free.
9 am to 4 pm
Tour one of the world's leading observatory complexes. See the world's greatest concentration of telescopes for stellar, solar, and planetary research. Exhibits on astronomy and facility's history at visitors center. Self-guided tour available. No food facilities.
Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory
520-670-5707
Off I-19 at exit 56, south on east-side frontage road near Amado, AZ
$7/adults, $2.50/children 6-12. No children under 6
Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
All day tour
A joint venture of the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Arizona, this is real science. Named for the space science pioneer who founded it, Fred Whipple Observatory is generally known by its location, Mt. Hopkins. The 6-hour tour gives a narrated shuttle ride up a 10-mile road to the working research center and observatory at the mountaintop - spectacular views at 8,550 feet elevation.
520-670-5707
Off I-19 at exit 56, south on east-side frontage road near Amado, AZ
$7/adults, $2.50/children 6-12. No children under 6
Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
All day tour
A joint venture of the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Arizona, this is real science. Named for the space science pioneer who founded it, Fred Whipple Observatory is generally known by its location, Mt. Hopkins. The 6-hour tour gives a narrated shuttle ride up a 10-mile road to the working research center and observatory at the mountaintop - spectacular views at 8,550 feet elevation.
Steward Observatory Mirror Laboratory
621-1022
Located on the University of Arizona campus in central Tucson. Mirrors created in this lab are used in top observatories worldwide. Call 10 days in advance to arrange a private tour.
621-1022
Located on the University of Arizona campus in central Tucson. Mirrors created in this lab are used in top observatories worldwide. Call 10 days in advance to arrange a private tour.
Empire-Cienega Resource Conservation Area
Near Sonoita AZ off highway 83
Open country stargazing
Near Sonoita AZ off highway 83
Open country stargazing
Palominas Star Haven Observatory
520-366-5788
Located in Hereford AZ off highway 92 Southeast of Sierra Vista
520-366-5788
Located in Hereford AZ off highway 92 Southeast of Sierra Vista
Skywatcher's Inn
520-615-3886
Watch the stars all night long near Benson, AZ, where this unique bed & breakfast offers small and large groups, an observatory and planetarium.
520-615-3886
Watch the stars all night long near Benson, AZ, where this unique bed & breakfast offers small and large groups, an observatory and planetarium.