Kitt Peak National Observatory lies to the southwest of Tucson. Everyone interested in astronomy should put this destination on their bucket list. // Stephen Lea/Wikimedia Commons
When somebody who lives in the United States thinks about astronomy, Arizona often comes to mind. There’s no mystery why: beneath that state’s vast, clear skies you’ll find some of the most exciting astronomical destinations in the world.
Join me in May 2019 as Astronomy magazine partners with TravelQuest International on a nine-day journey from Tucson to Flagstaff that we’ve called Arizona Skies. You’ll experience all the beauty of the southwestern desert, from its landscapes dotted with cacti to the incredible expanse of stars overhead. We’ll also take you behind the scenes at some of that region’s greatest astronomical landmarks, including Kitt Peak National Observatory, the magnificent Barringer Meteor Crater, the Steward Observatory Mirror Laboratory at the University of Arizona, the Center for Meteorite Studies at Arizona State University, and, of course, historic Lowell Observatory.
Timed to coincide with the New Moon, our unique itinerary includes specially arranged stargazing sessions in Sonoran Desert locations. Add in the stunning Grand Canyon and the red-rock formations around Sedona, and you have a Southwest adventure designed for skywatchers of every level of expertise and interest.
We have limited space on this special trip, so make your plans today! For all the information you’ll need, head here.