CIA-RDP96-00788R001400020002-4

A CAPSApprUsedRFor Release 2000/08/07 :
was selected in 1958 as site for a national observatory
:tensive 3-year survey that included more than 150
anges across the United States.
bination of clear weather, minimum air turbulence,
5 from bright lights, vegetation cover, height and
mmit area were all factors leading to the final selec-
Peak.
is located in the Quinlan Mountains of the Sonora
the Papago Reservation. The reservation, one of
in the United States, is the home of more than
igos and spreads some 90 miles across Arizona's Pima
igos leased Kitt Peak to the Observatory under the
perpetual agreement that is valid as long as scientific
cilities are maintained at the site.
ervatory is supported by the National Science Founda-
an agency of the Federal Government established in
ance scientific progress in the United States. In 1957,
tered into a contract with the Association of Univer-
esearch in Astronomy (AURA), Inc./ for the operation
as a national center for optical astronomy. Under the
he original contract and subsequent agreements,
been responsible for the construction, development,
uing operation of Kitt Peak as a national research
is a non-profit corporation in Arizona in 1957, AURA
from its original 7 charter members to the present 13
all with strong research and graduate training pro-
tronomy.
member institutions are:
sity of Arizona
rnia Institute of Technology
sity of California
sity of Chicago
sity of Colorado at Boulder
d University
sity of Hawaii
a University
sity of Michigan
State University
148 Nov Stul
ton University
sity of Texas at Austin
'sity of Wisconsin
Jniversity
1 Oct Degland
onal center, Kitt Peak allocates 60 percent of its tele
to qualified visiting astronomers from all over the
ction of users is based entirely upon the merit of the
esearch programs proposed. The remaining 40 per-
available telescope time is used by the Observatory
ir own research.
ntract with the NSF, AURA also operates the Cerro
-American Observatory in Chile.
IFORMATION: Write Public Information Office,
onal Observatory, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, AZ, 85726.
lle + 18 Nov
kitt peak
national
observatory
a walking tou
approved For Release 2000/08/07 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001400020002-4

S U. MAYALL 4-METER TELESCOPE
· a fuzed quartz mirror 4 Approved For Release- 2000/08/07 :
nent is the nation's second largest optical telescope.
Together the telescope and the mounting weigh 375 tons, yet they are so
delicately balanced that accurate tracking of celestial objects is achieved
with a small one-half horsepower motor.
With this instrument astronomers can study objects as faint as 23rd
magnitude-more than six million times fainter than the dimmest
star visible with the unaided eye.
5
Darkrooms, laboratories, offices, and sleeping quarters are
housed in the 19-story-high structure. The movable dome
weighs 500 tons; the shutter opening measures 30 feet
across. The building itself is 105 feet in diameter.
An elevator provides access to a glass-enclosed
observation deck that presents a panoramic view
of the observatory; from there steps lead to a
telescope viewing gallery for visitors.
The telescope was dedicated in June,
1973, and is named for Dr. Nicholas
U. Mayall, former Director of the
Kitt Peak National Observatory.
4
ELEVATION
The summit of the moun-
tain lies just North of the
4-meter telescope, at an
elevation of 2098 meters
(6882 feet).
"ES
iin-
es
-
-
2.3-METER
TELESCOPE
50-CM
TELESCOPE
-lic)
MITORY
LESCOPE
GRAPH
lebula in Orion,
I with the Mayall
e.
30-CM SCHMIDT
TELESCOPE
REST
ational Observatory, you will note that some points of
by numbers-both on this map and on the mountain
elow is a brief description of each site.
El-meter telescope, with the McMath Solar Telescope
you will be looking south. Behind you stand six of the 13
at Kitt Peak : the 1.3-meter infrared, and the 30-centimeter
: the three telescopes of the University of Arizona;
I-meter Nicholas U. Mayall telescope dome is visible.
Altar Valley and, visible some 18 miles to the
o your right) is the town of Sells, tribal headquarters
ans. The distinctive dome-shaped mountain peak due
ri, traditional home of the Papago Indian God /-I'toy.
a schematic diagram of the McMath Solar Telescope.
ers can obtain a picture of the telescope with the
ground from this point.
vel, photographers find nearly the entire sweep of
lescopes before them. The large telescope building
houses the University of Arizona's 2.3-meter telescope.
you are standing 29 meters, or 96 feet, above the
p. The Visitor's Gallery provides a view in all
s of 100 miles on most days, and special non-glare
is area enhances picture taking. To help with
along the gallery show the four points of the compass
of surrounding towns. Mountain ranges visible to the
ed in Mexico.
iles down this roadway is the Picnic Area with cooking
rink machines, drinking water and restrooms for your
beauty, the Picnic Area itself draws many nature
1.3-METER TELESCOPE
I emphasis on infrared astronomy, this telescope
observations of objects such as stars embedded
Ist clouds that would Approved For Rele
a model for all infrared modifications
ak telescopes.
6
-00788Rbd.4000 orjevation, stand facing the
Telescope. You willfind that your Walking Tour
agree with the structures visible atop the moun
Welcome to the
kitt peak
national
observato
A Walking Tour
As national center for ground-based optical astronomy, Kitt Pe
the largest collection of astronomical instruments in the world. S
over the world use Kitt Peak facilities for research programs in st
planetary studies.
In addition to visiting scientists, over 50 people are employed o
but only the necessary support staff lives there. Resident astronom
in Tucson. During observing periods, they, as well as visiting so
dormitory rooms at Kitt Peak.
Kitt Peak is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ev
Christmas. There is no charge or ticket for admission. Regularly sc
the Observatory are conducted at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Sunday and holiday. All tours begin at the Visitor Center.
Although no food (other than candy and soft drinks) is sold on
grounds, a picnic area is provided with tables, benches, and fire pi
This Walking Tour Guide has been prepared for visitors who
scheduled tour or wish to tour the facilities on their own. Please
for a handy reference to the National Observatory.
Your interest in the Observatory's programs and facilities is a
sincerely hope that your visit to Kitt Peak will be an e
informative-occasion.
VISITOR'S CENTER
Exhibits feature many as-
pects of astronomy, including
models of telescopes and the
research programs being con-
ducted at Kitt Peak. Visitors
can operate an actual solar
telescope, and Kitt Peak-
produced films are shown on
weekends and holidays.
Papago handicrafts and vari-
ous mementos of the Obser-
vatory are available at the gift
shop.
-----
1.3-METER
TELESCOPE
1
ADMINISTRATION
BUILDING
MAINTENANCE
SHOPS
EMPLOYEE'S
DINING HALL
CIA-RDP96-00788R001
A 1-mete
coelostat m
sunlight to
meter (41-
forming mi
sends the
down throw
tanks hous
meter-high
tower- desi
imize the
to the obse
Its daily n
solar mag
give scient
understand
complex pl
occur. with
The Vacuu
is also us
solar veloc
spectra, al
ported N/
program
constantly
formation (
ity for the (
nauts.
10.75-METER
MILLIMETER-WAVE
RADIO TELESCOPE
Operated by the National
Radio Astronomy Observa-
tory this 10.75-meter (36-
foot) dish antenna explores
the universe in radio
wavelengths that are not
visible to the human eye
(Not open to the public)
N
1.5
MILES