Astronomy

Look up into the night sky and see a million twinkling stars.

Stellar Views

Southern Arizona has some of the clearest skies in the U.S.—about 350 nights of viewing a year. Tour some of the world’s most-respected observatories and enjoy the same “good seeing” as the pros.

Learn why Southern Arizona is called an "astronomy capital of the world” in our featured article Astrotourism is Looking Up.

Video: Kitt Peak

Welcome Kitt Peak National Observatory - home of the largest array of optical and radio telescopes in the world. In addition to conducting ground-breaking astronomical research, we are open to you through our Visitor Center programs. The Mayall 4-Meter telescope and dome are undergoing major maintenance and painting activities in 2016 summer. Binocular Stargazing may be for you if you cannot travel to Kitt Peak. 

Video: Flandrau Science Center

Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium is undergoing a renovation of the planetarium theater that will transform the visitor experience. Since our state-of-the-art FullDome digital projection system debuted in 2014, thousands of visitors have been thrilled to fly through the solar system, visit planets, and discover the wonders of our world. Buy Planetarium tickets online or in person (popular shows may sell out)! 

Mount Lemmon SkyCenter is part of the University of Arizona's Department of Astronomy and operates at the top of Mount Lemmon, one of the region's tallest and most visited mountains. The SkyCenter was first established in 1956 and was at the forefront of infrared astronomy. The observatory also participated in the survey of the Moon that took place in preparation for the Apollo lunar landings. Today visitors to the SkyCenter can live a day (or night) in the life of a professional astronomer by taking part in a variety of experiences and workshops that provide up-close and personal views of the cosmos through high-tech telescopes.

Blue Minerals at the Gem Show

Gems & Minerals

Bisbee

Mining

Family with small child reading a map at entrance of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson

Museums

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