Kitt Peak - Night program, worth it?

[dougbaker]

Short question:<br />Is the Nightly Observing Program worth it?<br /><br />I have an opportunity to be in southern Arizona the first week of October. Most likely in Tucson October 8th and 9th.<br />My wife is taking an astronomy class at a local community college. I have three older children, 12, 16, 18<br />We are thinking about going to the Kitt Peak night program. <br />So a few questions?<br />Anyone else been to their night program?<br />How was it?<br />I think there is a new moon on October 11th, so is this a good time to make a visit and is October a good time of the year for a visit?<br />Their web site suggests you can use a 20" Richey from RC Optical Systems, 16" Richey or 16" Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. <br />Are these reasonable for some views that will impress the wife and kids?<br />Thanks for any feedback. <br />

 

[tfwthom]

You better check on the availability of the scopes on a new moon, Oct would be a good time to be here in AZ (the monsoons should be over by then) so there may not even be an open scope.<br /><br />http://www.noao.edu/outreach/nop/<br /><br />For reservations call 520-318-8726<br />Due to the popularity of this program it is recommended that you make your reservations 4 to 6 weeks prior to your visit. <br /><br />Quick Rate Info <br />Adults: $39 <br />Seniors: $34 (age 62 and over) <br />Students: $34 (elementary to college) <br />Military: $34 (with current ID) <br /><br />Interested in using our telescope all night long?<br />Check out our Advanced Observing Program. <br />http://www.noao.edu/outreach/aop/<br /><br />AOP Price Info<br /><br />$375/night, up to 2 people <br />$75/night/person, room and board, single occupancy <br />$60/night/person, double occupancy<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Depending on the dates you are going to be here......the All Arizona Star Party might be a better option http://www.eastvalleyastronomy.org/aasp.htm Contact them at the email on the website.<br /><br />I'll be heading north to Coconino National Forest/Flagstaff myself.<br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1" color="#3366ff">www.siriuslookers.org</font> </div>

 

[a_lost_packet_]

<i>Interested in using our telescope all night long?<br />Check out our Advanced Observing Program.<br />http://www.noao.edu/outreach/aop/<br /><br />AOP Price Info<br /><br />$375/night, up to 2 people<br />$75/night/person, room and board, single occupancy<br />$60/night/person, double occupancy </i><br /><br />Wow! Thanks for that link TFWThom!<br /><br />It may sound like a lot, but that's not such a great price to pay for a whole night. That would be a pretty cool trip for a couple who were interested in astronomy. A perfect weekend thing. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>

 

[Testing]

I recently heard of some online observing opportunities but missed the link. Any info? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[tfwthom]

Are you talking about SkyView <br /><br />SkyView is a Virtual Observatory on the Net generating images of any part of the sky at wavelengths in all regimes from Radio to Gamma-Ray. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1" color="#3366ff">www.siriuslookers.org</font> </div>