Kitt Peak

What a great evening!  We drove about  90 minutes east of Tucson to the Tohono O'odham Territory and Kitt Peak.  ( http://www.noao.edu/kpno/ )  This mountain top has 26 telescopes, more than anywhere in the world!  These are being used for research and data collection purposes by many interested parties.

The curvy 12 mile, and as far as I am concerned somewhat nerve-wracking, drive up was worth it.  Even if we had not gone for the evening program this drive would be an incredible event on its own.  My heart pounded as the elevation increased and the curves and cliffs became more intense!  We could see the white domes at the top of the mountain but I could hardly believe how long it was taking to get there.  The panoramic views of the surrounding desert and wilderness became more spectacular as we climbed.  Once ensconced at the mountain top I settled down.

We were in a small theatre area in the visitor centre and Ross soon told us about the evening itinerary.  After eating our box lunch Emily took us out to a view point to watch the sunset.  I can barely describe it.  Kincardine's sunsets are gorgeous but this was out of the ordinary.  Being at the second highest point for miles and miles, seeing the sun's effect on the mountain formations and the change in colouration not just of the sky but of the land, was incredible.  From there we went back to the visitor centre theatre and spent the evening learning about telescopes and using one.   We were dressed for a trip to the north pole and in between bouts with the elements we came indoors for a warm up.  The telescope domes are not heated since it affects the way they work.  At least we could get out of the wind which was severe this evening.

Sunset West view

Reflection of sunset, Eastern View - Purple/Blue band called Venus ' Belt

STAR GAZING!   We viewed Jupiter, the moon, galaxies, nebula, and many stars and constellations using a telescope in a dome.  We went outside with binoculars.  We had access to a 21 inch telescope which is small compared to some of the huge ones up there but one of the only ones the public can access.  Still, the details revealed by this telescope were impressive.  We could see 3 of Jupiter's moons and some rings,  moon craters and formations, gaseous open star clusters and more.





The number of stars that could be seen with the naked eye on this dark mountain top away from any light pollution is unreal.  The number of stars  seen through the telescope is unfathomable.  I don't have enough adjectives!

John and I both are inspired to spend more time looking up!!  There were incredible views from the telescope but I was blown away by what you can see with a decent pair of binoculars.  Emily taught us to use a planisphere.  We have one but haven't really learned how to use it.  Maybe we will now.

To end the evening with a little excitement we had to drive down the first mile with our lights off!  We learned about this once we were already there.  It was not mentioned in the pamphlets or online information  that I saw.  I wonder if I had known ahead of time if I would have gone?  Headlights could interfere with the work of the telescopes.  It wasn't that bad actually.  We got in a convoy behind Ross in a white van.  You could easily see the tail lights of the vehicle in front of you and to tell you the truth the mountain was less scary at night simply because you couldn't see the sheer drops at the side of the road! The trip down was uneventful thank goodness.

I was so well bundled I didn't get cold!