Kitt Peak National Observatory, Astronomical observatory in Arizona, United States
Kitt Peak National Observatory contains more than twenty optical telescopes and two radio telescopes at an elevation of 2096 meters in the Quinlan Mountains.
The National Science Foundation established Kitt Peak National Observatory in 1958, selecting the location for its clear skies and favorable astronomical conditions.
The observatory stands on Tohono O'odham Nation land, where the mountain was traditionally known as I'oligam Du'ag, meaning Manzanita Bush Mountain.
Visitors can participate in daytime guided tours, evening programs, and overnight telescope observations, with advance reservations recommended due to limited space.
The facility houses the Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter Telescope, which contributes to the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument survey led by the Department of Energy.
Location: Arizona
Inception: 1958
Official opening: 1958
Elevation above the sea: 2,096 m
Website: https://noirlab.edu/public/programs/kitt-peak-national-observatory
GPS coordinates: 31.95833,-111.59667
Latest update: May 27, 2025 07:09
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