Daytime Guided Tour: McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope

Formerly the largest solar telescope in the world!

Duration

60 Minutes

Prices displayed do not include fees

About

Kitt Peak is very much alive during the daylight hours. During the summer, the mountain is a great place to beat the desert heat.

This docent-led tour visits the historic McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope.

Experience the inside and outside of the iconic McMath Pierce Solar Telescope — the largest solar telescope in the world for over 50 years. As of 2026, McMath now houses the Taṣogida Ki: Center for Astronomy Outreach, funded by the National Science Foundation and private donations. The tour includes Taṣogida Ki exhibits and a Science on a Sphere audiovisual experience.

The program requires extensive walking. Most facilities visited are not wheelchair-accessible. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes, and be able to walk the distances between the telescopes and climb stairs. Please let us know 24 hours in advance at [email protected] or phone (520) 318-8726 if you require mobility assistance.

• Check in at the Visitor Center at least 15 minutes before the start of your tour.
• Strollers or carry-on infants are NOT permitted.
• Advance reservations are strongly recommended but not required.
• Discounted tickets are available for seniors age 62 and older, groups of 8 persons or larger, active duty military with ID, and students with ID.
• Tohono O’odham Nation: This program is free to members of the Tohono O’odham nation (TON Tribal IDs will be checked upon arrival).
• ASTC Members: Tours are free for ASTC Members and immediate family members (ASTC Membership card will be checked upon arrival).

NOTE for international guests: Arizona State Route 86 has a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint. If you are visiting from outside the U.S. please bring your passports with you to avoid any potential difficulties.

More Info

For many years the largest solar telescope in the world, the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope, was a triple instrument. In addition to the primary 1.61-meter mirror fed by the 2.03-meter heliostat, there are a pair of telescopes fed by 0.81-meter heliostats mounted beside the main heliostat.

The telescope is a 110-foot-tall, 26-foot-diameter platform that supports a mirror that reflects light down a 200-foot-long concrete optical tunnel. Both the tower and the light tunnel stand freely inside water-cooled protective concrete casings. These shelter the telescope from mountaintop winds, utilizing a square form tilted at a 45-degree angle.

The facility is named to honor Dr. Keith Pierce as well as Dr. Robert McMath.

The McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope was decommissioned for science in 2017 and has been converted to the Taṣogida Ki: Center for Astronomy Outreach.

Accessibility

Kitt Peak is just shy of 7,000 feet (2096 meters) above sea level at the summit. Please consider any personal health issues that could arise from the altitude or walking at this elevation, such as: decreased lung capacity, cardiac issues, or other issues with altitude. If you have health concerns, please consult your doctor before visiting us.

Our programs typically involve walking, standing, and climbing stairs. Working service animals are welcome.

The walk to the Visitor Center from the parking lot is about 45 meters (50 feet).

The Daytime tour to the McMath-Pierce Solar telescope is the only tour that does not have stairs. A guest can pick up a driving permit at the gift shop and follow the walking tour to first the optical tunnel and then into the main building. Both can be accessed by a walker.

Please let us know 24 hours in advance at [email protected] or phone +1 520 318 8726 if you require mobility assistance. The Visitor Center’s ability to provide special accommodations is severely limited.

We look forward to exploring the Universe with you!