Day 15 Kitt Peak National Observatory and Gilbert Ray Campground

Destination- find a campground close to Saguaro National Park

Depart: 9:30

Arrived 4:00

Visited: Kitt Peak National Observatory, Safeway

Highway: 85 to 86

Trails: campground to visitor center in am, walk between telescopes, around this campground in the evening

Animals: deer and birds, we can here lots of coyotes here

States: Arizona 

Weather: 65-72 hot but so nice 

We decided to stop at the observatory on our way to Tuscon. Jason and I love space stuff! We left our trailer at the bottom of the 12 mile steep road and we returned to find that no one had bothered with it. We were very thankful for that! The observatory is at the corner of an Indian reservation and the entire highway sparkled with years of acohol abuse. We meet a nice fellow at the bottom "who should of been a tour guide." 

The observatory was a step back in time but we enjoyed looking at the sun and being inside a giant telescope. At nearly 7000 feet we had a spectacular 360 view of the surrounding Mountains and of nearby Mexico. I would of gladly stayed for a night excursion but they were canceled due to windy conditions. And it was howling! 

The Kitt Peak National Observation and National Solar Observatory 

We were able to safely look at the suns and several hotspots on it!

Showing the difference in size

Inside the giant telescope

Photo down the telescope shaft

The outside of the giant telescope (McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope)

Lots of walking

Lots of different telescopes owned by many universities

360 view from Mayall 4 m telescope

This is the McMath-pierce solar telescope "giant"

So happy to be with da da

Highlights:

Arlene- going with the flow and taking our time to explore, getting my first Desert Ranger Badge!

Jason-going to the top of the mountain and seeing the observatory 

Ella- practicing standing and trying new foods, cilantro, cheddar cheese, ham, and meatloaf 

Gordo- marking new territory as his own! 

Ella exercising.