Sunspots & Whimsical Art

Tucson & Tubac  Arizona (68 degrees, blue skies)

Kitt Peak Observatory

(Let's just say I have a little catching up to do. We've been having a great time in Arizona and I'm behind in my posting.)

While we were working on the NOMADS project our group went on a couple of side trips together on the weekend.  We drove out about 50 miles southwest of Tucson to the Kitt Peak Observatory.  The drive up to the top of the mountain was spectacular.  The weather was perfect and the views from the top were fantastic. 

There are 22 observatories scattered over the peak. Three times a day they have guided tours of one of the observatories.  You can also take a self guided tour by picking up a map at the visitor center. I found out later they even have podcasts.  Their website is very helpful.  Our tour was led by a retired astronomer out to the 2.1m-telescope.  His explanations were very technical at times and I think he lost his audience occasionally but it was very interesting for the most part. 

The observatories are operated by the Association of Universities for Researching Astronomy and with  the National Science Foundation.  Astronomers apply for time to use the telescopes from all over the world. 

After the tour we walked out to the telescope below which is studying the sun.  It is a very striking design that descends way below the surface.

MacMath Pierce Solar Telescope

Sunspot telescope

A volunteer had set up a telescope for viewing the sun.  This was the highlight of our day.  We actually saw sun flares shooting off the surface of the sun.  Afterwards we enjoyed a picnic lunch together.  The gift shop is very nice and sells beautiful handmade baskets made by the Tohono O'odham Nation.  The prices for these baskets were the most reasonable that we have seen and they are so beautiful. 

We also planned another fun  trip together to Tubac Arizona to visit the Festival of the Arts.  There were hundreds of artists displaying their work throughout the grounds and in the art galleries.  This festival is held for one week in February. 

Metal Art

The art gallery buildings were unique and we had a great time wandering around the area.  There was good food and live music at lunchtime. 

High School Mariachi Band

My favorite area was the whimsical sculpture garden.  There were whirling wind catchers of every design and shape. 

On the way back to Tucson we stopped at the beautiful and serene Mission San Xavier del Bac. 

San Xavier Mission was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692. Construction of the current church began in 1783 and was completed in 1797. A large workforce of Tohono O'odham  created the present church of clay, stone, and mortar.  Beautiful music drifted across the plaza  as we walked around the grounds.  Admission is free and we'd recommend watching the movie near the gift shop area before exploring. 

 Our NOMADS leaders Gary and Jeanne planned some fun excursions for us.  Thanks so much!