Kitt Peak National Observatory makes a wonderful side trip when visiting the Tucson area.
The winding road that leads up to Kitt Peak affords great views around every turn.
Kitt Peak sits about 4,000 feet above the surrounding desert.
The mountain houses the world's largest collection of professional optical telescopes in the world.
The solar telescope on Kitt Peak is the largest in the world.
Visitors attending a night program can stay past closing and view the sunset from the mountain.
At sunset, many astronomers on the mountain are just waking up for work.
Kitt Peak is located in one of the darkest sky areas of the U.S.
The city lights are far below the mountaintop observatories.
Viewing the dark night sky on Kitt Peak is an experience to savor!