On Friday, 15 September 2017, several Indiana University alumni and staff took part in a special visit to Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO). This was an opportunity to view some astronomical objects through the WIYN 3.5-meter telescope. The visit was courtesy of the Indiana University College of Arts and Sciences (Mike's alma mater). For some members of the group, this was their first visit to Kitt Peak. For others, including this reporter and his wife, this would be their 10th visit.

Our hosts for the visit were Dr. Lori Allen, Director of KPNO, and Dr. Eileen Friel, Chair, IU Department of Astronomy. Dr. John Salzer, a professor in the IU Department of Astronomy, was our observing guide.

Arrival at the main entrance to the mountain:

The view of WIYN (center) from the drive:

Views of some of the observatories at Kitt Peak:

WIYN House, where scientists using WIYN stay:

Some informative displays inside the Visitor Center:

Dr. Allen gave us a tour of the Mayall 4-meter telescope. The group gathered outside of the dome:

The 4-meter telescope and the group:

A scientist preparing for the night's observing with the 4-meter telescope:

Dr. Allen explaining the new Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) to be used on the 4-meter telescope:

Inside the 4-meter telescope pier:

The view of the mountain top and surrounding area was awesome from inside the Mayall dome:

Click or tap on image for larger version

The McMath Solar Telescope from the Mayall dome:

Baboquivari Peak watching over some observatories, as seen from the Mayall dome:

The WIYN observatory, from the Mayall dome:

There was a catered dinner on the mountain. Here is Dr. Eileen Friel addressing the group:

Dr. John Salzer and one of his graduate students provided a talk on some of their research that uses the WIYN 3.5-meter telescope:

Following John's talk the group walked to the WIYN observatory to observe sunset.

Go to Page 2, Sunset and WIYN viewing.

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