Kitt Peak National Observatory

Kitt Peak National Observatory is an NSF NOIRLab mountaintop research complex on I’oligam Du’ag (Kitt Peak) in the Tohono O’odham Nation west of Tucson, selected as the site for the U.S. national observatory in 1958. Its diverse telescope collection supports active optical and radio astronomy, while the Kitt Peak Visitor Center offers exhibits, guided daytime telescope tours and nighttime observing programs. The Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 09:00 to 16:00, but the observatory itself can currently be visited only as part of a tour. Daytime tours involve extensive walking and stairs, and most facilities visited are not wheelchair-accessible. Check NOIRLab’s official public-visits guidance for current programs, closures, weather and accessibility before travel.