Meteor shower SPECIAL EVENT

Guided meteor-gazing with introduction to the dark night sky after watching a glorious sunset from nearly 7,000 feet!

Duration

4.5 Hours

Prices displayed do not include fees

About Kitt Peak National Observatory

With 22 observatories, Kitt Peak is the largest concentration of major optical research telescopes in the world!

About this program

Prepare to be amazed as you experience one of nature’s most spectacular nighttime events from one of the darkest and most inspiring locations in the Southwest. Join us at the newly opened Tasogida Ki Science Center, located within the historic McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope, for an unforgettable chance to watch for shooting stars!.

Relax under expansive desert skies and settle in for what we hope will be one of the best meteor-watching experiences anywhere. Throughout the evening, you'll enjoy access to our world-class science center, opportunities to explore interactive exhibits, a light dinner, snacks, and plenty of time to simply look up and enjoy the show.

Meteor showers reward patience, and a few simple tips can make the experience even better:

• Bring a blanket, sleeping pad, or reclining camp chair for comfortable sky watching.
• Dress in layers, as mountain temperatures can cool quickly after sunset.
• Use only red-light flashlights to help preserve your night vision.
• Allow 20–30 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the darkness.
• Meteors are best viewed with your unaided eyes and a wide view of the sky.
• Put your phone away whenever possible to maintain your dark adaptation.
• Look generally overhead and toward the darker portions of the sky rather than focusing on a single point.
• Be patient. Meteor activity often comes in bursts, and some of the most memorable meteors appear when you least expect them.
• Bring a sense of wonder and curiosity, as half the fun is sharing the experience with fellow skywatchers.

Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or attending your very first meteor shower, this special evening offers a chance to slow down, connect with the night sky, and experience the universe in a truly remarkable setting.

This event is appropriate for people of all physical abilities.

Warm clothes, good closed-toe walking shoes, pants (not shorts) and a jacket are important.

In case of inclement weather, we reserve the right to insert an alternate astronomy program presented by Kitt Peak.

The program includes a light meal, and you may choose either a turkey (regular), Vegetarian or Gluten-free sandwich. If you have dietary restrictions, you are welcome to bring your own meal. The kitchen cannot guarantee allergen-free, or otherwise specially prepared meals. The program fee is the same in either case.

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.

Important Notes

• A minimum of 4 guests is required in order for the program to run. If fewer than 4 guests book the tour, it will be canceled.
• The program is designed for adults and older children. It is not recommended for children under 8 years of age.
• We recommend booking at least 1 month in advance to ensure your best chance of getting the date you want. Reservations made after 1:30 pm on the day of the program will not receive a meal because the kitchen requires a final meal count by that time. The program fee remains the same.
• Discounts are available for seniors age 62 and older, groups of 8 persons or larger, active duty military with ID, and students with ID.
• This program is free to members of the Tohono O’odham nation (TON Tribal IDs will be checked at the arrival).

A NOTE ON COLD TEMPERATURES
We cannot emphasize enough that it is cold on Kitt Peak!
Please check the weather for your planned visit and pack and wear warm clothing to the summit of Kitt Peak, as the temperature difference between Tucson and the surrounding areas is dramatic.
We recommend wearing sneakers or comfortable boots, jeans, and layers on top (a T-shirt, long sleeves, and a sweater). Please wear a coat, gloves, scarf, hat and warm clothes! Even in the Summer, it is colder on Kitt Peak than in the surrounding areas. We fully expect it to feel like winter at the summit by the end of your tour, so please do not underestimate the chilly weather. No matter where you are traveling from, elevation makes everything feel colder! It is better to have too many layers rather than not enough.

Once the sun goes down and the wind kicks up, it is safe to say that any temperature prediction "feels" 20 degrees cooler. For example, if the weather calls for 40 degrees F, it will feel like 20, so please come prepared.

Please read through our FAQ for more information
https://kpno.noirlab.edu/plan-your-visit/

Kitt Peak is first and foremost a research facility. To avoid interfering with research during nighttime programs, the Visitor Center adheres to strict lighting control procedures.

At the end of your program, you will be directed by Visitor Center staff to depart in a convoy-style line of guest vehicles. Please let the person at your party with the best night-time vision drive.

Guests may not leave the programs early except in cases of genuine emergency. By reserving any of our nighttime programs, you indicate your understanding of and willingness to abide by these procedures.

Weather Check and Confirmation at Noon

Guests will receive an email on the day of the program to advise them of the weather forecasts and program status. Please be available. If weather might prevent observing, we will offer the Alternate Astronomy Program (AAP), which includes some of the activities of the NOP plus other engaging hands-on activities and possibly a tour of one of the research telescopes not typically open to the public. In the event of unfavorable weather, guests can attend the AAP or reschedule for another date without charge. The programs will be canceled only if the staff deems conditions hazardous.

We do not offer refunds or rain checks for weather conditions other than expected or that change suddenly. The weather call is based on information available at the time of the call.

We look forward to exploring the Universe with you!