Kitt Peak National Observatory San Pedro Valley Observatory just outside of the small town of Benson, about 40 miles east of Tucson. Like Kitt Peak, they have an array of educational programs for all levels and abilities, with hands-on experiences with telescopes. The big difference is that you get a lot more individual attention. www.arizona-observatory.com.
Sky Village in extreme southeastern Arizona, near the tiny town of Portal, is a community of homes built by astronomers and amateur astronomers. You are truly in the desert under super dark skies and you’re on your own. There are no formal educational facilities, but you can rent houses there for a few days to a few weeks at a time. Find out more about Greenwich House and other lodging in and around Sky Village at www.arizonaskyvillage.com.
No matter what kind of astronomy/stargazing getaway you plan, it can be really educational, a lot of fun, and I can tell you first hand that it’s good for the soul.
Mike Lynch is an amateur astronomer and professional broadcast meteorologist for WCCO Radio in Minneapolis and is author of the book, “Stars, a Month by Month Tour of the Constellations” published by Adventure Publications available at bookstores at http://www.adventurepublications.net
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