Kitt Peak National Observatory

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

I did just what I said I would.  This morning, I got up and made coffee.  Unfortunately, it has been nine months since I made coffee in my perculating coffee pot and I made it a little strong on this first try.  A little watering down and it tasted okay.  I’m sure I will get better at it.

After that, I cooked two fried eggs and two slices of bacon and washed them down with milk. For the second course, I had OJ, half a grapefruit and a tangerine.  Great breakfast.  Will last me till dinner time.

Around noon, Yuma and I headed West on Hwy 86 for 38 miles to the entrance road of the Kitt Peak National Observatory.  It was 12 miles up the mountain to around 7000 feet to the observatory compound.  I say compound, because there are many telescopes up there, not just one.  Here is a link to Wickipedia for info on the observatory.

Unfortunately, most of the day was overcast so the photos don’t give it justice.  There was a short period when the sun did peak through.  There was quite a bit of haze when looking into the distance.

Following are photos as I went up the 12 mile road to Kitt Peak.  Needless to say, I had to rest at times during my four miles of walking around the area.  Not in good shape yet.

Heading due west on hwy 86, the Quinlan Mountains loom straight ahead.  Just behind that mountain is Kitt Peak.

Heading up the mountain.  You can see the observatory as a white speck at the top right on the highest peak.

Looks like it snowed here in the recent past.

You can see the road cut into the mountain in the center.

Getting close to the top.

While I was standing there, this telescope turned all away around till it was facing the other way.

Now you can see that there are alot of telescopes pointing towards the heavens.

Finally made it to the top.

The large one is named Steward Observatory.

We are almost there.

See, I really was there.

Here I am hard at work typing this long blog.

A lot of photos, but I wanted you to get a good idea of how it looks.  Beautiful drive to the top and well worth it.  If you  are ever in Tucson, take the opportunity to visit.

See you later.