On, Saturday, September 29th the Activities Team is going to the Kitt Peak National Observatory! Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), part of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), supports the most diverse collection of astronomical observatories on Earth for nighttime optical and infrared astronomy and daytime study of the Sun. Basically, it is a very advanced telescope and one of the best in the United States!
Kitt Peak is at an elevation of 6,875 feet above sea level. Mountain temps vary considerably from the desert floor by 15 to 20 degrees and it is often windy, so please dress warmly.
We will take a special group tour, looking at the stars through the telescope, exploring the observatory, and this also includes dinner (a turkey or veggie sandwich and chips) after sunset. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the cosmos, practice English, make friends, and be awed by the natural beauty and breathtaking night views of our solar system and the Milky Way Galaxy! This is an unbelievable chance to see details of distant planets and other far-far-far away celestial bodies that you very well may never have the opportunity to see again. You will never see the night sky the same again after this experience.
We will meet in front of the CESL building at 3:00pm, please be on time! It is a little over one hour to drive to the observatory. Due to the size of the tours allowed, this event is limited to 14 participants, so please register early. Also, since we must pass through a Border Patrol checkpoint on the way there and back, you MUST bring your passport and I-20 with you if you are not a US citizen. Please contact CESL Student Activities Coordinator Jeremy J. Lee <jeremyjlee@email.arizona.edu> 520-621-6592 (CESL 200) if you have any questions.