METEOR MANIA!
Get away from the bright city lights and join us under the dark skies of Kitt Peak National Observatory during the peak of a major meteor shower! Watch a mesmerizing light show created by hundreds of tiny sand grain-sized space rocks entering the Earth’s atmosphere at thousands of miles per hour. Space is limited, so make your reservation today!
Adults and families with children 8 years or above are encouraged to attend.
Reservations required
Dates for 2017
Saturday, August 11th
Perseids
The Perseid meteors are caused by a field of debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. Comet Swift-Tuttle passes through the Earth's orbit every 134 years, replenishing a stream of dust and debris. When Earth passes through the juncture of its own orbit and the stream of debris, bits of cometary debris fall to the Earth, burning up in the atmosphere. This is one of the most active showers of the year, with 60-100 meteors per hour.
Wednesday, December 13th
Geminids
The Geminids originate from the object 3200 Phaethon, which is thought to be an asteroid belonging to the pallas family of asteroids. This would make the Geminids, together with the Quadrantids, the only major meteor showers not originating from a comet. The meteors from this shower usually peak around December 13–14, with the date of highest intensity being the morning of December 14. The shower is thought to be intensifying every year and recent showers have seen 120–160 meteors per hour under optimal conditions. Geminids were first observed in 1862, much more recently than other showers such as the Perseids and Leonids.
Time: 10 PM - 3 AM
Yes folks… we’re staying up LATE! But return shuttles to the parking area will run at 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM as well.
Location: Kitt Peak National Observatory Visitor Center
Park in the picnic area, 1 mile below the summit. Shuttles will take you to the top of the mountain for the program.
Prices
Online Reservation
Adults $50
Ages 8-16 $47
(Ages 7 and under not recommended)
Reservation By Phone
Adults $55
Ages 8-16 $52
Tohono O'odham Tribal Members
Free
Terms & Conditions
You may cancel at any time up to 48 hours prior to the program date without any penalty. A $25 per person cancellation fee will be charged for those who cancel less than 48 hours prior to the program date. If we are forced to cancel the program ourselves due to cloudy skies, you will not be charged anything.
On the day of the program we will make a weather call and determine if the program will proceed as scheduled or not. Assuming the weather cooperates, the per-person fee will be charged automatically at this time. You will receive a copy of your receipt at check-in time.
If a last-minute emergency or other situation comes up so that some or all of your group cannot make it, please let us know as soon as possible. It may save you money, and will allow us to fill the empty space with others from our waiting list.
Registration
Please register online, or call (520) 318-8726 ($5.05 price increase for reservations made by phone).
PLEASE DO:
• DRESS WARM! Hats, gloves and layered clothing required!
• Bring sleeping bags or blankets to lie on the ground if you wish. Lawn chairs and folding cots are permitted and encouraged.
PLEASE DO NOT:
• Arrive before 9:00 PM
• Drive to the top of the mountain! Parking will be provided at the picnic area and guests will be shuttled to the Visitor Center.
• Bring weapons, alcohol, or pets
• Use cell phones, white lights, or green lasers while on the Mountain
• Smoke anywhere on or near the mountain