Kitt Peak Nightly Observing Program

Nightly Observing Program (NOP)

The NOP is our most popular nighttime program and runs nightly year around. It introduces guests to the night sky by means of various observing techniques.

The NOP offers guests an introduction to the dark night sky above Kitt Peak after they watch a glorious Arizona sunset from nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. The program features the use of planispheres and binoculars for identifying constellations, bright stars, and the brighter deep-sky objects. Guests will also spend an hour at the telescope, exploring the night sky for spectacular celestial objects.

The program includes a light meal, and you may choose either a turkey (regular) or vegetarian sandwich. If you have dietary restrictions, you are welcome to bring your own meal. The kitchen cannot guarantee gluten free, allergen free, or otherwise specially prepared meals. The program fee is the same in either case.

The observatory typically used for the NOP is accessible to disabled persons. Reaching the telescope eyepiece, though, may be difficult for guests restricted to wheelchairs. Our programs typically involve walking, standing, and climbing stairs. Working service animals are welcome.

• Duration: 4–5 hours (see schedule below)
• Minimum number of guests: A minimum of 4 guests are required. If fewer book the NOP it will be canceled.
• Age limit: the program is designed for adults and older children. It is not recommended for children under 8 years of age.
• Max. number of Participants: 20
• Advance reservation recommended: we recommend booking at least 1 month in advance to ensure your best chance to get the date you want. Reservations made after 1:30 pm on the day of the program will not receive a meal because the kitchen requires a final meal count by that time. The program fee remains the same.
• Price: $75.00 per person.
• Discounts: 20% discount is available for seniors age 62 and older, groups of 8 persons or larger, active duty military with ID, and students with ID.
• Tohono O’odham Nation: This program is free to members of the Tohono O’odham nation (TON Tribal IDs will be checked at the arrival).

Weather Check at 10 am

Guests will receive a call at 10 am on the day of the program to advise them of the weather forecasts and program status. Please be available. If weather might prevent observing, we will offer the Alternate Astronomy Program (AAP), which includes some of the activities of the NOP plus other engaging hands-on activities and possibly a tour of one of the research telescopes not typically open to the public. In the event of unfavorable weather, guests will be given the option of attending the AAP or rescheduling for another date without charge. The programs will be canceled entirely only if conditions are deemed by the staff to be hazardous.

We do not offer refunds or rain checks for weather conditions other than expected or that change suddenly and limit our use of the telescope or otherwise interfere with any of our nighttime programs. The weather call is based on information available at the time of the call.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Kitt Peak National Observatory Visitor Center, Kitt Peak National Observatory, Tucson, United States