Kitt Peak

So, I'm a nerd. Astronomy fascinates me, so while in Tucson Chase was a good sport to geek out with me and took me to Kitt Peak National Observatory. At the time it was founded in the 60's, it was one of the largest telescopes in the world where alot of astronomical discoveries were made. There are over 20 telescopes and radio telescopes on top of the mountain.

One of my favorite parts was actually going inside the solar telescope to see all the mirrors. (Pic right above) It is the largest solar telescope in the world, 500 feet long with 300 of that underground.

I was kind of bummed that we didn't get to see the main telescope, but the wind was so strong that day, the tour guides were worried about people getting blown off the mountain. :p We'll just have to go back again!

The guide told us how the mirrors are made for the telescopes. Most of the mirrors in the telescopes around the world are made under the football stadium at the U of A. They say that the biggest mirror they can make is 12 meters because that's how far apart the girders are under the stadium to get the mirrors out! Since the mirrors are only a few millimeters thick, the freeway has to be shut down to transport them. Pretty interesting stuff!

Maybe one day I'll sign up for the night tour or become a Docent (a serious amateur astronomer who volunteers at the Observatory)!