All external sites open in a second browser window!Arizona Stargazing
Galaxy M100, one of the brightest members
of the Virgo Cluster, captured by the Hubble
Space Telescope.- NASA
Everyone should spend one night marveling at objects light-years beyond their grasp.
It has a humbling effect, an inexorable pull. Curiosity rules!
Tour Arizona observatories. Visit the Arizona Science Center Planetarium, or attend a free
stargazing night at one of the Maricopa County Parks. Better yet, purchase a time machine at your local telescope shop.
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Observatories
Lowell Observatory
Established in 1894 by Percival Lowell, it was the first
astronomical observatory in Arizona. Research successes include the
first evidence of an expanding universe and the discovery of
Pluto.
It was Percival Lowell's wish that the observatory take a welcoming
stance toward the public, and today, this wonderful place offers a
plethora of exhibits, events, Sky Tonight Shows, and telescope
viewings. Visit their web site for a calendar of events.
Hours: 928-774-2096
Office: 928-744-3358
www.lowell.eduVisit Lowell Observatory!
Kitt Peak National Observatory
The world's largest collection of
optical telescopes is located high above the Sonoran Desert under
some of the finest night skies in the world. Kitt Peak, on the
Tohono O'odham Reservation, is home to twenty-two optical and two
radio telescopes representing eight astronomical research
institutions.
www.noao.eduVisit Kitt Peak Observatory!
Mount Graham International Observatory
The tours feature a trip up scenic Mount Graham,
focusing on the mountain's rich geology, history, and diversity of life; a lunch
near the summit of the mountain; and a guided tour of the present observatory facility,
which consists of the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope and the Heinrich Hertz
Submillimeter Telescope. A featured attraction is the newly constructed 16-story
enclosure -- housing the world's most powerful optical telescope, the Large Binocular Telescope.
Telescope assembly began in June 2002 and the telescope is scheduled to be in operation in 2007.
Discovery Park is the official tour agent for the Mount Graham International Observatory.
Tours are conducted on Saturdays, beginning mid-May until mid-November, or until weather
prohibits them. Group arrangements can be made for any day of the week through a reservation process.
To make reservations or for further information, please contact:
Discovery Park
1651 W. Discovery Park Blvd., Safford
928-428-6260 Option 3
www.discoverypark.com/obstour.htmlVisit Mount Graham Observatory!
Capturing Satellites
Spacecraft Watch
NASA has a neat Web site that lets you track the International
Space Station, Space Shuttle, Hubble Space Telescope and other
spacecraft and satellites. The space station, at an altitude of 240
miles, takes about 10 minutes to cross the night sky.
spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings
Star Gates
Arizona Astronomy: arizonaastronomy.com
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association:
tucsonastronomy.org
Saguaro Astronomy Club: saguaroastro.org
East Valley Astronomy Club: eastvalleyastronomy.org
Huachuca Astronomy Club: c3po.cochise.cc.az.us/astro
Northern Arizona Astronomy Association: phy.nau.edu/~naaa
Prescott Astronomy Club: pacorg.net
Stargazing For Everyone: www.stargazingforeveryone.com
Arizona Science Center azscience.org
NASA: nasa.gov
Hubble Telescope: hubblesite.org
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