Streaking Star Trails Over Steward and Mayall Domes
In 1958, Kitt Peak was selected as the site for a national observatory. Its remoteness from bright lights, a high frequency of clear weather, minimum air turbulence, and moderate elevation (6,864 feet or 2,092 meters) make the mountain top ideal for astronomy. Located high above the Sonoran Desert in Arizona's Quinlan Mountains, Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) is home to the world's largest collection of telescopes, including twenty-two optical and two radio telescopes. Scientists from around the globe use these facilities for research programs in extragalactic, stellar, solar, and planetary studies.
(Text adapted from Kitt Peak Virtual Tour )
Technical Details
- Title: Streaking Star Trails Over Steward and Mayall Domes
- Subject: Kitt Peak National Observatory
- Location: Kitt Peak National Observatory, ARIZONA
- Camera: Nikon FE with 50mm Nikkor lens
- Exposure: 1 hour at f/2.8
- Film: Ektachrome 400
- File Name: KP82-207w.jpg
- Original Image Size: 2730 x 3963 pixels (10.8 megapixels); 9.1" x 13.2" @ 300 dpi
- Rights: Copyright 2011 by Fred Espenak. All Rights Reserved. See: Image Licensing.