SkyNights: Your Gateway to the Universe
Embark on an extraordinary celestial journey with our flagship SkyNights program. Led by expert science communicators, you'll delve into the mysteries of the cosmos, savor a delicious light dinner, and witness a mesmerizing mountaintop sunset. As darkness blankets the sky, peer through our state-of-the-art telescopes – the largest dedicated public telescopes in the Southwest – and discover the breathtaking beauty of distant galaxies, vibrant nebulae, neighboring planets, and other awe-inspiring celestial wonders.
What to Expect on Your SkyNights Adventure:
- Duration: 5 hours, beginning two hours before sunset.
- Capacity: Up to 28 participants per program for a personalized experience.
Activities
- Engaging astronomy presentation led by our knowledgeable science communicators.
- Light dinner (meat & cheese or veggie option) under the starry sky.
- Spectacular sunset viewing from a picturesque mountain overlook.
- Guided exploration of the night sky using binoculars.
- Observing through our Schulman 32-inch and Phillips 24-inch telescopes.
What You'll See:
Depending on the season, you may witness planets, star clusters, distant galaxies, nebulae, and other celestial phenomena such as comets or a supernova! Below is a photo album of images takes by guests with their phones through our powerful telescopes!
Age Appropriateness:
Recommended for ages 7 and up due to the outdoor setting and program length.
Pricing:
$85 Adults, $60 Youth (7-17 yrs) – subject to change. Holiday rates may apply.
What to Bring:
- Warm Clothing: Even in warmer months, evenings on Mount Lemmon can be chilly. Dress in layers, and bring a jacket, hat, and gloves.
- Sturdy Shoes: Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking around the observatory grounds.
- Optional Items:
- Your own binoculars or camera for capturing the stunning views.
- Snacks and drinks for personal preferences.
Getting to the SkyCenter
- Drive Time: Allow approximately 90-120 minutes from central Tucson, as mountain driving requires extra care and time.
- Directions and Meeting Location: For detailed directions, a map, and the specific meeting location (which may vary throughout the year), please visit our Maps and Directions page
Weather Considerations
- Chance of Clear: If weather conditions are uncertain, we may offer a modified "Chance of Clear" program on Mount Lemmon, featuring engaging indoor activities and the possibility of stargazing should the skies clear.
- You'll have the option to attend this modified program, reschedule to a different date, or receive a 50% refund.
- Cancellation & RemoteSky: In the event of inclement weather preventing a safe and enjoyable experience on the mountain, we may cancel the SkyNights program and offer you the option to attend our RemoteSky program in Tucson at the same scheduled time.
- The RemoteSky program offers a virtual tour of the observatory, a presentation on astrophotography, and a chance to control our telescopes remotely (weather permitting).
- If you choose not to attend the RemoteSky program, you may reschedule your SkyNights experience, but please note that the difference in ticket price will not be refunded.
Cancellation Policy
- Small Groups (3 or less): 48 hours advance notice via email is required prior to your scheduled program date. Please attach to your confirmation email.
- If less than 48 hours’ notice is provided, tickets are non-refundable we will try to reschedule your tickets based on availability.
- Large Groups (4 or more): 5 business days advance notice via email prior to your originally scheduled program date. Please attach to your confirmation email.
- If less than 5 business days' notice is provided, tickets are non-refundable, we will try to reschedule your tickets based on availability.
- More Information
Frequently Asked Questions
- Small Groups (3 or less): 48 hours advance notice via email is required prior to your scheduled program date. Please attach to your confirmation email.
- If less than 48 hours’ notice is provided, tickets are non-refundable we will try to reschedule your tickets based on availability.
- Large Groups (4 or more): 5 business days advance notice via email prior to your originally scheduled program date. Please attach to your confirmation email.
- If less than 5 business days' notice is provided, tickets are non-refundable, we will try to reschedule your tickets based on availability.
- Arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled arrival time (indicated in your confirmation email).
- Detailed driving directions and parking instructions are available on our website.
- Dress warmly in layers, even in warmer months. Bring a winter coat, hat, and gloves.
- Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes for warmth and safety.
- We provide binoculars, but you're welcome to bring your own.
- Bring a camera to capture the sunset and night sky.
- Feel free to bring snacks and drinks for your personal enjoyment.
- Children must be 7 years or older.
- Contact us if your child is slightly younger, and we'll see if we can accommodate them.
- No strenuous activity is required. There may be some walking between buildings and on/off the shuttle bus.
- Seating is provided in most areas.
- Contact Us to discuss your needs.
- Advance notice is required for some accommodations, especially during winter months.
No smoking or alcohol is allowed on-site.
- All participants must sign a release form upon arrival.
- Parents/guardians of children under 18 must complete an additional form.
- Please review the form in advance (also included in your confirmation email).
