Kenneth loves to learn about the solar system, the universe and all that goes with it. For his birthday I wanted to plan something he would really enjoy. He had taken the day off work because he knew I was planning an overnight trip for us. It wasn't until that morning that I told him where we were going. He seemed to be happy when I announced that Kitt Peak was our destination. Kitt Peak is located about 45 minutes south and east of Tucson. It is a world famous observatory located high on a mountain away from city lights. In fact, Tucson has minimal night lighting because of Kitt Peak. As you drive up the mountain you start to see various shapes of observatories rising up.
Our adventure began around 6pm. The guides taught us all about the sunset and other details. Kenneth knew what they were talking about...he speaks their intelluctual language. Me, on the other hand, was taking it all in....learning things for the first time.
Many of the observatories are operated by universities who are doing research.
The one below is a solar telescope. I believe one of a few in the world.
As the sun began to set we stood and watched the event, having details pointed out as the sun descended below the horizon. It was amazing.
What I cannot show pictures of, but will try to explain, is that the remainder of the evening was spent learning and observing through these amazing telescopes. We saw star clusters, twin stars, jupiter, and much, much more. We looked at objects hundreds of lightyears away. We were there, on what the guides called, a "perfect observing" night. There was no moon, no clouds, no weather to interfer....only the spectacular sky. We were taken outside, in pitch-blackness, as guides used lasers to point out constellation and the Milky Way. I have never seen so many stars. It was humbling to see the handiwork of God and try to realize all that He has created. We had the best experience and it was so worth the drive. Most of all, Kenneth loved every minute. I wanted his birthday to be special...all about him and what he loves.
Kenneth loves to learn about the solar system, the universe and all that goes with it. For his birthday I wanted to plan something he would really enjoy. He had taken the day off work because he knew I was planning an overnight trip for us. It wasn't until that morning that I told him where we were going. He seemed to be happy when I announced that Kitt Peak was our destination. Kitt Peak is located about 45 minutes south and east of Tucson. It is a world famous observatory located high on a mountain away from city lights. In fact, Tucson has minimal night lighting because of Kitt Peak. As you drive up the mountain you start to see various shapes of observatories rising up.
Our adventure began around 6pm. The guides taught us all about the sunset and other details. Kenneth knew what they were talking about...he speaks their intelluctual language. Me, on the other hand, was taking it all in....learning things for the first time.
Many of the observatories are operated by universities who are doing research.
The one below is a solar telescope. I believe one of a few in the world.
As the sun began to set we stood and watched the event, having details pointed out as the sun descended below the horizon. It was amazing.
What I cannot show pictures of, but will try to explain, is that the remainder of the evening was spent learning and observing through these amazing telescopes. We saw star clusters, twin stars, jupiter, and much, much more. We looked at objects hundreds of lightyears away. We were there, on what the guides called, a "perfect observing" night. There was no moon, no clouds, no weather to interfer....only the spectacular sky. We were taken outside, in pitch-blackness, as guides used lasers to point out constellation and the Milky Way. I have never seen so many stars. It was humbling to see the handiwork of God and try to realize all that He has created. We had the best experience and it was so worth the drive. Most of all, Kenneth loved every minute. I wanted his birthday to be special...all about him and what he loves.
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