Renewal and Discovery at Kitt Peak

Arizona’s night skies are perfect for stargazing, thanks to infrequent clouds, high elevation, and strict light pollution controls. This breathtaking shot shows the Milky Way above U.S. National Science Foundation Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), a Program of NSF NOIRLab. KPNO is the largest assembly of optical instruments in the northern hemisphere and is a leading site for astronomical research. The Burrell Schmidt telescope on the left was relocated to KPNO from Case Western Reserve University to escape the increasing light pollution in Cleveland, Ohio. In the middle is the 0.9-meter SARA Kitt Peak Telescope. It was originally known as the No. 1 36-inch telescope of the predecessor of NOIRLab, National Optical Astronomy Observatories (NOAO), but today the telescope is operated by the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy, a consortium of universities throughout the southeast United States. This group combines their resources to support astronomical research by their faculty and students. On the right is the Visitor Center Roll Off Roof Observatory that’s used to show the night sky to members of the public during outreach programs. These science and education programs make KPNO a center for pioneering research and public education under Arizona’s incredible skies.

This photo was taken during the NOIRLab 2022 Photo Expedition to all the NOIRLab sites. Petr Horálek, the photographer, is a NOIRLab Audiovisual Ambassador.