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. Featured in this image are (counterclockwise) the Burrell Schmidt telescope, the 0.9-meter SARA Kitt Peak Telescope, and the Visitor Center Roll Off Roof Observatory You can also find this image as a fulldome image and see a close-up here. 

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