Kitt Peak

Kitt Peak is a mountain observatory in Arizona's Quinlan Mountains that rises to about 2,097 meters and houses more than twenty optical telescopes along with two radio telescopes. The facility sits within the Arizona-Sonoran Desert region and serves as a major ground-based research center for astronomy.

The National Observatory was founded in 1960 after Aden B. Meinel selected this location for the facility. It became the first national research center dedicated to ground-based astronomical observation in the country.

The Tohono O'odham Nation calls this mountain Ioligam, meaning red stick, and regards it as their second most sacred location after Baboquivari. Local communities maintain deep spiritual ties to the peak through their traditional beliefs and practices.

Visitors should register in advance for nighttime astronomy programs, while daytime tours allow you to explore selected telescope facilities and the grounds. The high elevation and desert climate require proper preparation and gear for a comfortable visit.

The McMath-Pierce facility on the peak specializes in solar observation and allows scientists to study the sun's surface with remarkable precision. This specialized instrument makes the site one of the world's leading centers for solar research.

Location: Arizona

Elevation above the sea: 2,097 m

GPS coordinates: 31.96494,-111.59935

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:04