Tuesday March 19th - Kitt Peak Observatory

During the day we did some catch-up tidying and planning etc and headed out late afternoon toward Kitt Peak, the summit of which is home to the most diverse collection of telescopes in the world, run by many different organizations. The observatory runs night viewings which we booked a few weeks ago, and we were quite lucky to have good weather, although it was very cold at the summit when the sun went down. the drive up was quite an excitement and at times we clung to the mountain edge, on a small road and Janice was leaning in toward the centre of the truck feeling rather nauseous.. (it gave her 'the willies'). We arrived before sunset and were treated to a packed meal, which was very edible (turkey on croissants, cookies, fruit etc). We were then split up into three groups of a dozen or so and each group were treated to amazing sunset views before dark, followed by a short lecture and briefing on the night sky. We then went outside for some star gazing using binoculars and charts, before heading up to a telescope. Were privileged to see several distant nebulae, open and closed clusters, Jupiter and the grand finale view of the moon. It was truly amazing. We had been warned that we would have to go down the first mile back down the mountain with no headlights. I had giggled nervously at the 'joke', but it was not a joke. 15-20 cars following one brave guide for over a mile down the mountain.  Funnily enough it wasn't so scary in the dark.  Went through another border patrol on the return to camp, and were told we were supposed to carry our passports, but we didn't cross any borders, so we believe it was just a slow night and they like a little intimidation to brighten their long night's watch. We have done some research and there is no such requirement. These border patrols are not at the border with Mexico, they are set up several miles from the border and are just checkpoints, looking for illegals etc. Anyone wanting to see the view from the on site webcam go to http://www.noao.edu/kpno/kpcam/index.shtml

VARIOUS PHOTOS OF THE TELESCOPES AND SUNSET.