Tucson is a year-round astronomer’s paradise and is home to some of the most prestigious observatories in the world. Summer evenings are ideal for taking advantage of these unique activities. Tucson is blessed with clear and dark skies, something that is often hard to find in other locations across the nation.
Kitt Peak National Observatory (520-318-8726) www.noao.edu has the world’s largest onsite collection of optical telescopes and offers family oriented, summer star gazing viewings through July 15. Kitt Peak is located Southeast of Tucson in the beautiful Arizona-Sonora Desert and is home to the world’s largest collection of optical telescopes.
Starizona (520-292-5010) www.starizona.com is an astronomy focused store that hosts free star parties 4 nights a week. It is also the perfect place for enthusiasts of any level looking to purchase or acquire personal star-gazing equipment. Starizona also has a special refractor and filter perfect for looking at the sun on most clear Tucson days.
It’s no secret that Mt Lemmon is a popular destination to escape the heat during the summer. Mt. Lemmon’s Sky Center Sky Nights (520-626-8122) www.skycenter.arizona.edu provides public viewing through a high tech, 24” reflecting telescope on the summit of Mt. Lemmon.
The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) also has different events every month that include presentations on astronomy essentials. These events are often lead by distinguished lecturers and leaders in their field. You can visit the TAAA website at www.tucsonastronomy.org.
And, don’t miss the very popular Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum on July 23 where you can join the experts from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) for a star-studded, stargazing adventure with Solar System hands-on activities. www.desertmuseum.org.
Are there any star-studded activities you like to take advantage of in Tucson and Southern Arizona that we did not include? Email us AndyCourtneyProperties@topproducer.com at let us know your favorite astronomer’s destination or general summer activity.