Go Stargazing On A Mountaintop At Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Observatory In Arizona
By Katie Lawrence|Published December 22, 2021
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Arizona is home to some of the darkest skies on earth. There are many places across the state where you can stargaze with the naked eye, but sometimes, it’s nice to have the aid of a telescope. Perched high atop Mt. Lemmon, the Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Observatory lets visitors observe the cosmos through a variety of high-powered telescopes. It’s easily one of the best places for stargazing in Arizona!
One of the coolest places you can possibly go in Arizona, the Mt. Lemmon Sky Center sits high above the city of Tucson at an elevation of 9,157 feet.
The observatory provides access to the Schulman 32-inch and the Phillips 24-inch telescopes; two of the largest telescopes in the Southwest available to the public. Visitors can look through several other telescopes, as well.
There are a variety of ways to experience all the observatory has to offer, starting with day tours.
Approximately 1.5-2 hours in length, this tour begins with a detailed history of the SkyCenter, as well as its future goals and prospects. Visitors learn about each of the nine telescopes, and - weather permitting - enjoy a rare opportunity to view the Sun through special solar telescopes. If your group has at least 20 participants, the tour costs $15 per person (or $25 if you'd like a packed lunch). For groups of less than 20, the cost is a flat rate of $300 (or $500 with lunch included.)
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On most Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, the observatory's signature SkyNights StarGazing Program is available by reservation.
The five-hour experience begins two hours before sunset and includes an astronomy lecture, dinner, and a guided stargazing session.
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Gazing through binoculars and the Schulman and Phillips telescopes, you'll marvel at planets, galaxies, nebula, star clusters, and other celestial bodies.
The program is suitable for the novice and professional alike, with a special version for those with knowledge of CCD photography. The cost is $1,500 per night for up to four people and includes lodging, optional participation in the SkyNights program, and snacks.
Whether or not you're into astrophotography, don't forget to bring a camera!
Feel free to call (520) 626-8122 with any questions you may have. Office hours are 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday-Friday.
Visit the observatory’s website or Facebook page to learn more and/or make a reservation.
Have you ever gone stargazing at the Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Observatory? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Tell us in the comments. For another of the best places for stargazing in Arizona, check out our previous article.
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