Overnight Telescope Observing Program (OTOP)

Book now - this program sells out early!

*** As-featured in The Wall Street Journal, Daily Mail, and other media that have covered our overnight tour ***

Duration

16 hours (evening start about an hour before sunset, ends the next day)

Prices displayed do not include fees

Preferred check-out time is 10 am. Please get a good rest after the session before driving down. Please do not plan your arrival and departure from Tucson too tightly.

NOTES

We have added additional OTOP evenings a little further from the New Moon each month. These new tours outside our normal tour ranges still offer excellent views of objects in deep space, as well as potential views of intricate details on the Moon. These tours can be identified in our booking system as they have the subtitle "Deep space AND Moon viewing"

***As of Jan 19, 2026, we are temporarily unable to offer the use of our accessible elevator lift. We will update as soon as we are able to offer use of the lift once more ***

About

This custom program gives you the full observatory experience and makes you a visiting astronomer at Kitt Peak using one of the four Visitor Center telescopes. Visual observing and imaging of amazing deep-sky objects are both possible. If you have ever wondered what it’s like to be an astronomer, this program is for you.

(While this is a semi-private tour, your group may or may not have the telescope and guide exclusively to yourselves. At most your travel party will be with one other party. If you have very specific needs such as astrophotography or an extensive observing list, please contact us before booking so we can try our best to make sure we will be able fulfill your requests.)

When you arrive at the Visitor Center, you will meet your telescope operator, who will assist you in getting settled into your dorm room. After enjoying dinner, and a telescope becomes available, the night is yours for as long as you can last. Visual observing and imaging of incredible deep-sky objects are both possible. You may compile your own observing list, or let the telescope operator make one for you. This program is often given as a very special gift to interested loved ones for special occasions and offers the guest a full visiting-astronomer experience. No prior experience in astronomy is necessary to participate in and enjoy this amazing program.

If you wish to observe or image specific objects in the night sky, please check in advance by email. Parts of the sky will not be above the horizon on a given night, and some objects are too faint to see.

The program includes three meals per person - dinner, "night lunch" (while you are up late observing the night sky), and breakfast. You have the option to choose Vegetarian or Gluten-free accommodations, if necessary. If you have further 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.

More Info

• 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 two months in advance to ensure your best chance to get 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 is the same.
• Tours are limited to 4 participants on a first-come, first-served, pre-registration basis.
• For specific accessibility requests, please contact us by email before booking, at [email protected]
• July and August are usually the least preferable months on Kitt Peak because of the monsoon season.

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/

Weather Check at 10 am

Guests will receive a call at about 10 am on the day of the program to advise them of the weather forecasts and program status. Please be available. In the event of unfavorable weather, guests will be given the option of rescheduling for another date without charge or refund.

The weather call is based on information available at the time of the call.

We look forward to exploring the Universe with you!