Finding Dark Sky Astronomy Sites in Arizona - Part II

Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter

Just outside of Tucson, Mt. Lemmon is home to the University of Arizona’s Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter. Visitors can take part in DiscoveryDays, SkyNights or even multi-day SkyCamps. DiscoveryDays offer, in addition to “Cosmic Visions” astronomy adventures, Sky Island Ecology presented by University of Arizona scientists. Where else can you find a dark-sky destination that offers updates from those involved directly in the Phoenix Mars Lander Mission?

Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory

This Smithsonian Institution observatory is located on Mount Hopkins, with a visitor center at the base of the mountain, about thirty-five miles south of Tucson. The Visitors Center is open Monday through Friday, offering an extensive collection of exhibits and an outdoor patio with two spotting devices, a 20-power telescope and wide-field binoculars.

During the spring, summer and fall, the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory offers guided bus tours up the mountain to the observatories. These tours last about five and a half hours and include a stop for lunch, which visitors bring for themselves. Be sure to check the details about the tours because they are not for everyone because of their length, the altitude and exertion required. But, for those who can make the tour it is a chance to learn about Smithsonian Institutes’ largest remote field installation.

Stargazers also have access to a Forest Service picnic area and an “Astronomy Vista” to set up their telescopes, located just outside the front gate within site of one of the observatories. What a great idea to offer one more opportunity to enjoy the same night skies that allow professional astronomers to do their on Mount Hopkins.

Location: Map and Directions.

More Information:

See dates for quarterly star parties and open house events hosted by FLWO.

Lowell Observatory

Flagstaff, where Lowell Observatory is located, became the world’s first International Dark-Sky City, on October 24, 2001. This designation is given to recognize towns and cities “with exceptional commitment to and success in implementing the ideals of dark sky preservation and/or restoration, and their promotion through quality outdoor lighting” by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).

Link to full article on Lowell Observatory

Grand Canyon National Park

Of all the destinations in the southwest, the Grand Canyon is probably the most well-known. It attracts eager visitors from around the world, but few stay long enough to see the other view, the one that lies above the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. Staying overnight and actually getting outside after dark is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences that this priceless treasure of North America has to offer. If you make this more than a daytime stop, you can be one of those privileged to visit the Grand Canyon that is a premier dark-sky destination.

More about visiting Grand Canyon National Park, including overnight stays.

Grand Canyon Star Party

Once a year stargazers get the opportunity to join in fun at the Grand Canyon Star Party. You don’t have to be an amateur astronomer to attend this week-long event because the public is invited. Just register, make your housing arrangements and plan to bring the family to enjoy a Grand Canyon dark sky adventure on the South Rim.

Not to be outdone, the North Rim now has its own star party. It’s much smaller because there is not as much lodging available and the space for telescopes is limited. Nevertheless, it does attract stargazers from around the world.

More Information:

Learn about the annual Grand Canyon Star Party on the South Rim

Find out about the annual Grand Canyon Star Party on the North Rim, sponsored by the Saguaro Astronomy Club.

More Dark Skies Information

For those seeking that perfect place to enjoy pure transparent dark skies of the Southwest we have gathered information by state

• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Colorado
• Utah
• Nevada
• Texas

Have a look at our Star Party 101 for important information to know before attending your first star party.