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Kitt Peak National Observatory, AZ



In a winding 12 mile drive from the desert floor to the top
of the 6800 ft mountain sacred to the Tohonto O'Odham, one 
comes to the KPNO. There are 25 optical and 2 radio telescopes
up here, under the aegis of the National Science Foundation.




My favorite is the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope, largest solar
observing instrument in the world. A large (~ 5 foot diameter)
image of the sun is projected onto a horizontal platform
for viewing in real-time! One can observe flares and sunspots
without viewing the sun directly! There are also many more
sophisticated instruments used in conjunction with this telescope.


From inside the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope, looking outward.


Standing at the base of the exterior. Inside are tracks, with mirror
carriages that can be moved up and down the slanted building as
required. 


 
More views of the observatories from the top.

 
Another view of the observatories from the top and a look out over
the desert floor below towards Tucson.

For more info directly from the Kitt Peak National Observatory web site
click here


Last, but not least, a view towards the most sacred mountain of the
Tohono O'Odham, Baboquivari. The people believe that the Holy Spirit
lives on this mountain. Kitt Peak is also holy to them, so we owe
them great thanks for allowing us to use this site.

The gift shop at Kitt Peak has the finest examples of Tohono O'Odham
handiwork, including baskets and pottery. I own several pieces of
these works, purchased over the years here on Kitt Peak.

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