Tucson Observatories
Tucson is also ideal for folks who are happy just to gaze at the stars after dark.
City Ordinances against "light pollution," designed to aid visibility at the five world-class
observatories in the area, ensure that the views of the
heavens are optimal for even streetside astronomers.
Kitt Peak National Observatory (NOAO)
The world’s largest
collection of optical telescopes is located high above the
Sonoran Desert at Kitt Peak, on the Tohono O’odham Reservation.
It is home to twenty-two optical and two radio telescopes representing
dozens of astronomical research institutions. T
he National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), funded by the National
Science Foundation, oversees site operations on Kitt Peak. Explore the Visitor
Center exhibits and gift shop to learn about astronomy. Take a tour and discover how
astronomers use telescopes to unlock the
mysteries of the Universe.
Visit the National Solar Observatory exhibit gallery and watch scientists
operate the world’s largest solar telescope.
The Flandrau Science Center
The mission of Flandrau Science
Center is to provide visitors and r
esidents of southern Arizona communities with a unique and stimulating approach
to exploring science. The Center features hands-on science exhibits, a star theater,
laser light shows, a mineral museum, a public observatory, a science store and education
programs for children.
Columbia University's BIOSPHERE 2 Center(B2C),
considered southern Arizona's top 5 "Must See" attractions,
is located outside of Tucson tucked away into the hills of the
high Sonoran desert with the Catalina's Mt. Lemmon resting nearby.
An icon, Biosphere 2 is the world's largest, glass-enclosed active environmental laboratory --
"Exploring Earth's Future."
The site includes multi-media exhibits, ocean-viewing gallery, lush rainforest,
self-guided and guided "Under the Glass" group tours for additional fee. B2C offers a restaurant, shops,
a 30-room hotel with balconied suites and a conference center. With glorious views and a spectacular night sky,
B2C provides a wide-range of active, public outreach programs, including evening
stargazing presentations utilizing the Biosphere 2 Observatory's new 24" telescope,
plus a selection of smaller telescopes. Weekday and Weekend special packages are
available both in-
and off-season.
ADVERTISING

Biosphere Center Complex