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) with a stellar presentation.
- 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).
The University of Arizona has also created a free audio guide, the Mt. Lemmon Science Tour, that makes a great introduction to any SkyNight event, because it educates visitors during their drive up through the Santa Catalina Mountains to the peak of Mt. Lemmon. The app provides descriptions of various stops along the way as well as interesting information about the geography, climate, flora and fauna of this very specific region of Arizona as we ascended from 2,400 to almost 9,200 feet above sea level.
