Tuscon Official Destination Guide - Fall/Winter 2008 - (Page 66)

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE & NATURE Photography clockwise: Organ pipe cactus and star trails by Eric J. Anderson Stargazing courtesy of JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa A joint venture of the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Arizona, this is where real science is done. Named for the space-science pioneer who founded it, Fred Whipple Observatory is generally known by its location, Mt. Hopkins. The 6-hour tour gives a narrated shuttle ride up a 10-mile road to the working research center and observatory at the mountaintop—spectacular views at 8,550 feet elevation. 3! SO. AZ MAP MT. GRAHAM INTERNATIONAL OBSERVATORY & DISCOVERY PARK’S GOV AKER OBSERVATORY 928-428-6260, Safford, AZ. Tour $40 per person. Includes lunch. Allow a full day. Guided tours Sat. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., midMay to mid-Nov., weather permitting. Reservations required two weeks in advance, www.discoverypark.com. One of the country’s newest observatory complexes, Mt. Graham is home to several renowned telescopes, including the world’s most powerful. Tour includes narrated shuttle ride up scenic mountain, lunch near the summit, and guided tour of current observatories. Upon return, visitors can spend the evening touring Discovery Park with a tour of the Gov Aker Observatory and stargazing through the 20-inch telescope. 4& SO. AZ MAP More Southern Arizona excursions can be found online at www.visitTucson.org. ASTRONOMY STELLAR VIEWS Southern Arizona has some of the clearest skies in the United States—about 350 nights of viewing a year. Tour some of the world’s most-respected observatories and stargaze where the pros do. Learn why Southern Arizona has earned the title “Astronomy capital of the World.” Map codes and coordinates correspond to Tucson City Map unless otherwise noted. STARGAZING & OTHER ACTIVITIES Don’t leave Southern Arizona without spending several nights observing on your own. Astronomer’s Inn Watch the stars all night long near Benson, AZ, where this unique bed & breakfast offers small and large groups an observatory and planetarium. Call 520-586-7906. Las Cienegas National Conservation Area Open-country stargazing. Near Sonoita, AZ, off AZ Hwy. 83. Free. 4$ SO. AZ MAP MOUNTAIN OBSERVATORIES KITT PEAK NATIONAL OBSERVATORY 318-8726, recording 318-8200, off AZ Hwy. 86 (Ajo-Tucson Hwy.), south on State Route 386. $4/adult, $2.50/child 6–12, under 6 free. 9 a.m.–3:45 p.m. daily. Allow 2–3 hours. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. and 6 p.m.–9 p.m., Sat. 12–9 p.m., Sun. 12–5 p.m; Observatory: Wed.–Sat. 7–10 p.m. Allow 2–3 hours. Public viewing of night sky, UA Mineral Museum, and testing center for prototype exhibits. y 2( M-12 FRED LAWRENCE WHIPPLE OBSERVATORY 520-670-5707, off I-19 at exit 56, south on east-side frontage road, in Amado, AZ. $7/adult, $2.50/child 6–12, no children under 6. Visitor Center Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Allow all day. Tours begin at 9 a.m. and last until 3 p.m., Mon., Wed., Fri. from mid-March through Nov. Board tour bus at visitor center. Reservations required and can be made up to four weeks in advance. Pack a lunch and water. See the world’s greatest concentration of telescopes for stellar, solar, and planetary research. Exhibits on astronomy and facility’s history at visitor center. Self-guided tour available. No food facilities. y 4# SO. AZ MAP FLANDRAU: THE UA SCIENCE CENTER 621-7827, University Blvd. and Cherry Ave., University of Arizona campus, central Tucson. $5 general admission. Thurs.–Fri. Palominas Star Haven Observatory Located in Hereford, AZ, off AZ Hwy. 92, southeast of Sierra Vista, AZ. 520-366-5788, or e-mail starhaven@ palominas.com. 5% SO. AZ MAP Sunglow Ranch Nestled in the foothills of the Chiricahua Mountains near Pearce, AZ, Sunglow Ranch offers guests truly dark skies for stargazing. Bring your own equipment to get a closer look at the cosmos. Astronomy pads with electricity are available by reservation. Call 520-824-3334. 66 TUCSON OFFICIAL DESTINATION GUIDE WWW.VISITTUCSON.ORG http://www.discoverypark.com http://www.visitTucson.org http://www.visittucson.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tuscon Official Destination Guide - Fall/Winter 2008

Tuscon Official Destination Guide - Fall/Winter 2008 Contents Welcome to Tucson Maps & Transportation Accommodations Culinary Heritage & Culture Outdoor Adventure & Nature Golf Attractions & the Arts Shopping Newcomers & Services Index

Tuscon Official Destination Guide - Fall/Winter 2008

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