Kitt Peak National Observatory: Where Science and Spirit Meet the Sky

High above the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona, at an elevation of over 2,000 meters, sits one of the most storied astronomical sites in the United States: Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO). Located on the Tohono O’odham Nation lands, this mountain has long been a sacred place. It is also home to one of the largest collections of optical telescopes in the world. My visit here was part of an official NOIRLab photo and video expedition, where I serve as audiovisual ambassador. The goal: to document the observatory’s history, science, and spirit in immersive high-resolution visuals for planetariums and other visual formats.

Kitt Peak was established in 1958 as the first national observatory in the U.S., a symbol of the country's post-war commitment to science and space exploration. At its peak, it hosted more than two dozen telescopes, each contributing to different aspects of astronomical research, from solar studies to deep-sky observations. KPNO played a vital role in training generations of astronomers and advancing our understanding of the universe. For decades, it has stood as a gateway to the stars and a monument to scientific collaboration.

The McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope

One of the most striking structures on the mountain is the now-retired McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope, once the largest solar telescope in the world. With its distinctive slanted tower and 200-foot underground shaft, it represents a bold era of solar science. From studying solar flares and sunspots to providing real-time observations during major solar events, McMath shaped much of what we know about our star. It was also used for early infrared astronomy and even contributed to studies of planetary atmospheres.

The Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter Telescope

Another towering presence on the mountain is the Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter Telescope, one of the most significant large optical telescopes in the world. Completed in 1973, it was among the largest of its kind at the time and became a workhorse for deep-sky observations. Today, it houses the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), a cutting-edge system designed to map the universe in 3D and explore the nature of dark energy by measuring the redshifts of millions of galaxies. Standing inside the vast dome of the Mayall and witnessing the sophisticated engineering behind DESI was a powerful reminder of how a legacy instrument can evolve to remain at the forefront of cosmic discovery.

Apollo and the Astronauts

Few people know that NASA’s Apollo astronauts trained at Kitt Peak in preparation for their missions to the Moon. The observatory offered both technical training and orientation under dark skies, helping astronauts understand lunar topography and prepare for celestial navigation. It was humbling to walk the same grounds as the pioneers who would later leave footprints on the Moon.

Capturing Kitt Peak

Working here as part of a NOIRLab visual expedition was an unforgettable experience. The high desert light, the dramatic silhouettes of the domes against the setting sun, and the powerful sense of history, all of it came together to tell a story that is far more than scientific. Through my lenses, I’ve aimed to preserve not just images of the instruments, but the essence of what Kitt Peak stands for: curiosity, collaboration, and reverence.