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The Star Tour · 2 hours · up to 10 guests

The Star Tour

Two hours at the telescopes after dark, with a guide, for a small group. Reservations only, and open to the public.

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How the night goes

Roof, sky, eyepiece.

  1. The roof opens

    The observatory's roof rolls back to a panoramic view of the sky over the Tucson Mountains, a part of southern Arizona the observatory describes as holding some of the darkest skies in the country.

  2. You find your way around

    Before the eyepiece, the sky by eye. Guests trace constellations with the guide, who starts from whatever you already know, even if that's nothing.

  3. The telescopes do the rest

    Distant galaxies, planets and star clusters come into view. On nights when Saturn is up, that can mean seeing its rings for the first time.

On the floor

Three telescopes.

InstrumentWhat the observatory says it's for
14" CelestronIdeal for deep-sky objects and fine planetary detail.
10" Meade LX200Computerized precision experienced star gazers will enjoy.
4" Stellarvue refractorExcellent for wide-field viewing at any skill level.
The observatory's two large telescopes on their mounts beneath the open roof
The telescope floor, as the observatory pictures it
Stars and the faint band of the Milky Way over the observatory
Sonoran sky from Spencer's Observatory

Set your expectations

Real light, not a poster.

Photographs like the one beside this are long exposures. At the eyepiece you see the light itself, live: planets small and crisp, star clusters as points of light, faint galaxies as soft grey glows.

Before you call

Good questions to ask.

What happens if it's cloudy?

The observatory doesn't publish a weather policy, so ask when you book how a cloudy night is handled.

What time does it start?

Tours run after dark, by reservation. There's no published timetable; the time is set when you book.

Can I bring something to drink?

Yes. The observatory suggests bringing a bottle of wine to pass the time.

Is it suitable for children or for wheelchair users?

No age or access details are published. Call (520) 578-6085 and ask before you book.