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Kitt Peak National Observatories are situated on a very prominent mountain peak at 7,500 feet, home for one, if not the largest collection of optical astronomical telescopes in the world. The climb from the desert floor to the peak is 5,000 feet, and is a real favorite amongst the local and visiting motorcyclists alike!

To get there, travel west on SR 86 for 60 miles from Tucson and take the SR 386 to the Observatories. Kitt Peak is located on the Tohono O’odham Nation’s Reservation, considered by the Nation to be a sacred mountain. Work on the agreement between the Nation and the National Science Foundation began in the late 1950s. Extensive research indicated Kitt Peak offered a superb location for the laboratories because the site is far away from city lights, and the height is above the dust-laden air.

The contract between the National Science Foundation and the Tohono O’odham Nation contains restrictions in the lease including employment opportunities for the Nation members. The contract also includes that weapons research is not permissible. The Visitor’s Center has a display of artwork for sale, created by several noted artists of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Kitt Peak National Observatories, operated by the Association of Universities for Research In Astronomy, Inc., represents 25 participating universities under cooperative agreement with National Science Foundation.

In addition to optical instruments, the peak is home for several radio-telescopes and a solar telescope, used exclusively for study of the sun. The solar telescope gives visitors the chance to view the longest optical bench in the world! The excavation for the optical rail extends 500 feet into rock, and is parallel to the earth’s axis.

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The Kitt Peak National Observatories celebrate Albert Einstein’s birthday every March. An open house and birthday celebration were scheduled in March 2005 for a sign-up of a special tour of a telescope normally not open to the public. This instrument is one of the newest built with a hexagon-sided “dome,” called the “WIYN” Scope. Dr. George Jacoby led the tour, explaining how it works, and what it is used for. In the photo I took of Dr. Jacoby, an array of stainless steel tubing connects to a number of pressure pistons used to compensate for optical distortions.

Actual viewing or use of photography is a thing of the past. All or most all of these instruments are coupled to charged coupled devices (CCD’s) and the images are fed into enormous computer banks for storage. Many of the telescopes on Kitt Peak are remote-controlled, and images are transmitted to the researcher’s computer terminals. Knowledge gained in applied physics enable the researchers to obtain three-dimensional images, based upon given wavelengths generated from elements radiating its spectrum.

The reflector mirrors are coated with a film of aluminum deposited under high-vacuum in a special chamber constructed for this purpose. A property of Aluminum is the ability to reflect a wide-range of wavelengths with a high degree of efficiency. About every two years, the film oxidizes and needs to be stripped and a new coating applied to the reflector mirror. The mirrors are transported to the Mayall telescope where the vacuum deposition system is housed for a new coating of aluminum.

From the intersection of SR 86 and 386, the visitor is treated to a great view of the Mayall Telescope, which sits upon a prominent rock projection. Several miles of straight road heads for the mountains before the posted speed limit is reduced. For about 13 miles, SR 386 twists and turns as it makes its ascent. One word of caution; most of the road has tar strips and no guard rails. Not many pullouts are available to cars, but for motorcycles, it is another story. Remember to stop and admire the spectacular view and snap pictures for memories!